05-27-2010-Thursday - Wise County Messenger

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6A WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Thursday, May 27, 2010 OPINION OUR VIEWS College-bound students: home is never far away By KRISTEN TRIBE I didn’t cry at my high school graduation. You laugh, but I know people who did. Not me. I was ready to go. Like many local seniors preparing to graduate within the next week, I was ready to spread my wings outside the confines of Wise County. It was time to exchange my Alvord High letter jacket for a 12th Man towel at Texas A&M University. And I couldn’t wait. I was leaving behind a class of 28 to join a group of 6,000 peers, just in the freshman class. A place where I knew no one. Luckily, it didn’t take long, and I found myself surrounded by a great group of friends. We stood proudly at football games together, took pride in finding the cheapest places to eat and kept each other out of trouble – or in trouble – depending on the day. Sure, I missed the comfort of my parents and sister, but College Station was feeling more and more like home. Not long after the spring semester started my freshman year, I was in a minor accident. It didn’t involve a car, but an Aerobie, which is similar to a frisbee with a hole in the middle. My friends and I were playing a good, old-fashioned game of keep away. No points were involved, just throwing the Aerobie back and forth, trying to prevent the other team from grabbing it. As the Aerobie glided to the ground, I saw an opportunity to seize it and sprinted toward the disc. The problem was, one of my friends on the opposing team had the same idea and ran toward the Aerobie from the other side of the field. My plan was to run by and scoop it up without ever stopping. Her plan – the same. I kept thinking she would stop. I thought she TRIBE would see me coming and chicken out. She didn’t. We arrived at the Aerobie at the exact same moment. She went low for the disc about the time I slipped on the wet grass, and we crashed. We were a tangled disaster, but essentially, my face smashed into the top of her head. The result: one super-fat lip and a chipped tooth. By the next day, I looked like the loser of a fist fight, and it was obvious my tooth needed repair. Suddenly, home seemed really far away. In my mind, there was no dentist in College Station that would do. I needed Dr. Fred Renfro, the man who pulled my first tooth, to fix this. I was convinced he was the one and only dentist that would do it right. After I made a flying trip home one Friday, he did. Dr. Renfro was kind enough to meet me at his office that night after the high school basketball game and repair it. Despite my independence and effort to start a new life, my fat lip made me realize the value of home and the people here, not just my parents, but all those who shaped me, even if the circumstances were silly. Graduates, as you happily depart Wise County in the coming weeks, with dust boiling up behind your back tires, know that everyone here – your parents, teachers, preachers, youth ministers, doctors, dentists and the like – are cheering you on and wishing you well. But they’ll also be ready when times are tough to temporarily welcome you back, to hug your neck – or fix the tooth – then send you back, recharged and ready to conquer your new world. ! E-mail Kristen at ktribe@wcmessenger.com. YOUR VIEWS Thanks for devotion to veterans This is merely a humble thank you owed to a true American, Ms. Laura Spain. While words can never express my sincere appreciation, I must take the time to recognize a truly caring, dedicated and committed professional. Ms. Laura Spain was the only individual that took the time to educate, and assist me with my Veteran Affairs issues/concerns. I visited, called and e-mailed several offices and individuals, all of which were either too busy, had no idea or just did not care. The wealth of information and advice Ms. Spain provided, as well as the connections she shared were invaluable. Ms. Spain’s expertise and aid have been extremely useful and crucial during this process. I am truly grateful to Ms. Spain and wish there was something more that could be done for this devoted patriot. I salute Ms. Spain and wish her Godspeed. Tyler Boyd Weatherford All seniors to receive diploma On June 4, Boyd High School’s class of 2010 will be graduating. This class has a special distinction for which they deserve praise. In 2003, the state began requiring students to pass the TAKS test to graduate. Every year since, there have been Boyd High School seniors that have completed their coursework but not received a diploma at graduation. Not this year. I am very proud to announce that every member of the class of 2010 will graduate. If you know any Boyd High School seniors, please take the time to congratulate them. This really is a very special group of young men and women that represent the Boyd community with pride. The graduation ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Friday, June 4, in the Weatherford High School auditorium. Our special guest speaker will be former Boyd High School principal Mr. Jerry Howard. With the new school opening, this night will mark the end of an era at Boyd High School and the beginning of an exciting future. The class of 2010 would be honored with your attendance. John Emshoff Boyd High School Principal Politician proved point For a short few days the Tea Party was all agog, crowing and preening over the ascension and primary victory of their favorite Kentucky dentist. Then he opened his mouth and let his deepest ideals and standards flow forth. Rand Paul actually thought he was sufficiently prepared to cross political intellectual swords with Rachel Maddow. His stumbling words and facial expressions revealed a man who had come to an intellectual hatchet-fight armed with a pen knife. In so doing, Paul exposed the true nature of the Tea Party and revealed the true depth of its bigotry. I suggest the rest of us call them the TPaliban for their clearly bigoted and fundamentalist religious roots and the society they clearly seek to establish in America. Even if one truly feels that way, it is sheer idiocy for a politician wannabe in 2010 America to criticize the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other federal laws de- Continued on page 7A By WILLIS WEBB Time takes care of many things. Sometimes it’s even kind. It has placed Harry S. Truman on the list of exceptional presidents in U.S. history. Like many who held that office, he was reviled during his tenure and for some period after leaving office. Truman had less formal education than most presidents of the last century, but he was a voracious reader and obviously very intelligent. Today’s mood in the U.S. is troubling. There is much hatred expressed, a great deal rooted in racial or religious intolerance. One Truman remark seemed particularly fitting and, in true HST tradition, to the point: “Religious and racial persecution is moronic at all times, perhaps the most idiotic of human stupidities.” “When I was president, many people advised me not to raise the whole question of civil rights. They said it would make things worse. But you can’t cure a moral problem by ignoring it.” (Italic emphasis by OTHER VIEWS We’d be wise to listen to President Truman the writer). “It is no service to the country to turn away from the hard problems — to ignore injustice and human suffering. It is simply not the American way of doing things.” Truman always identified with regular folks — little fellows, underdogs, someone without advantages. He had an opinion on everything and, when asked, would share his thoughts. Truman said of Abraham Lincoln: “Lincoln was just himself, and that’s the sort of man I admire.” WEBB Of Calvin Coolidge: “The man got more rest than any previous president.” Truman said of then Vice President Richard Nixon: “Mr. Nixon lacks the moral sensitivity which the occupant of the White House should possess... he is impetuous, quick to act, rash and on occasion his conduct is irresponsible. He is a dangerous man. Never has there been one like him so close to the presidency. A mean, nasty fellow. I don’t like Nixon and I never will.” His only asset when he died was the house in which he and his wife lived in Independence, Mo. When Truman left office, there was no such thing as a pension, much less allowances for some staff, an office and office supplies as there is now. Truman’s retirement consisted of an Army pension, by today’s standards much less than today’s poverty level. Some in Congress learned he was paying for his own stamps and applying them himself. He was granted an allowance and later a pension, which was retroactive to the time he left office. Truman and his wife, Bess, drove themselves to their home, without a Secret Service detail. Contrary to today’s practices, he refused large salaries to enter the corporate world. Truman’s reason was, “You don’t want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to the people, and it’s not for sale.” So strong was his belief that, when he was designated by Congress to receive a medal, he declined once more, saying, “I don’t consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise.” Modern-day presidents become wealthy after leaving office, if they Continued on page 7A
WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Thursday, May 27, 2010 7A DECATUR Alcohol petition drive begins ... ontinued from page 3A records of club memberships to be able to sell alcoholic beverages legally. Mayor Joe Lambert said the food sales requirements would continue to prohibit bars in the city. Another petition would allow the sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. That would allow liquor stores similar to those in Bridgeport and Rhome to operate in Decatur. “It’s important for the sales tax revenue on alcoholic beverages to stay in Decatur,” Lambert said. “The city and state have ordinances in place to make sure that such stores are not close to churches and schools, and since the beer and wine election in 2003, there have been no problems.” Decatur Police Chief Rex Hoskins said there has been no change in crime statistically since alcohol sales were legalized in the city in 2003. Driving while intoxicated arrests are down a little, he said, while public intoxication arrests are up slightly. But it is primarily private clubs, and not retail sales, that have fueled those arrests, Hoskins said, along with nonresident drivers coming through Wise County. “I don’t think it will make a difference one way or the other,” he said of the proposed changes. Longtime civic leader Patti Gage has agreed to help with the petition drive to secure the required 384 signatures. Gage was instrumental in getting signatures for the 2003 election. Under state law, only registered voters in the Decatur city limits can sign the petitions. The petitions were issued Monday, and when they are complete, the signatures must be verified by Wise County Elections Administrator Lannie Noble before county commissioners can call the election. Commissioners must call the election before the end of August for the matter to be on the November general election ballot. WISE COUNTY DIRECTORY of Area Churches www.wcmessenger.com/church OTHER VIEWS We’d be wise to listen to President Truman ... Continued from page 6A weren’t before, and reap the harvest that can come with having been the White House occupant. Truman opposed national primaries to choose presidential candidates. “A national primary would force a candidate to raise a huge sum of money in order to tour the country and make his good points known,” Truman said. “No poor man or even one fairly well-fixed could finance a national campaign. The money would have to be raised and contributed by the wealthy and the special interests. The nominee would become obligated to contributors, and that would not be good for the country.” And, President Harry Truman would despise today’s lack of bipartisanship: “It has been my experience in public life that there are few problems which cannot be worked out, if we make a real effort to understand the other fellow’s point of view, and if we try to find a solution on the basis of give-and-take, of fairness to both sides.” Truman also said, “Never use two words when one will do best.” Amen. ! Willis Webb is a retired community newspaper editor-publisher of more than 50 years. He can be reached by e-mail at wwebb@wildblue.net. Art Lessons Study with well known local artists in a relaxing country atmosphere Located in Ponder, Texas on the Cowgirl Ranch Private and Group Lessons Instructions in Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor, Pastel, Brush or Knife technique Ruth Francis: 817-410-2344 Mahto Hogue: 817-504-8769 www.ruthfrancisart.com www.mahtohogue.com Stained Glass Workshops with instructor, Janice Cooper 940-626-4576 Bellevue ISD PTFO Is Proud to Announce THE FIRST ANNUAL HOOP IT UP Continued from page 6A signed to stop segregation, including the then-common practice of restaurants, hotels and similar businesses denying service to people because of the color of their skin. Paul even called the Obama administration “un- American” for demanding that BP be held accountable for the Gulf of Mexico oilspill disaster, including payment of billions of dollars in damages. Furthermore, Paul’s soulmate, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, wants a government bailout of BP and a limit on BP’s liability for the “first five days” of their Gulf of Mexico oil spill. I suggest that both of them be sent down to the Louisiana coast to see and smell what BP has done. Even more revealing is how mainline Republicans, and even a great many Tea Party members have sat on their hands, and lips as it were, refusing to rally to his defense. They even managed to spirit him away from a scheduled appearance on “Meet the Press” due to an unspecified “illness.” What a hoot. Let the man speak. I thought all conservatives valued free speech. For those who were hypercritical of my labeling Tea Partiers as bigots, what about now Rand Paul is a political dinosaur, and his bones need to be mounted and bleaching in front of the Republican National Committee. Ken Hughes Decatur Stop dropping off animals This is to the people who always dump unwanted animals in someone else’s neighborhood, thinking they will find a home. Well, that won’t happen because almost everyone has their own animals. They don’t want the responsibility for another. This is what happened to me. YOUR VIEWS I went out to feed my cats, and there was this big, black dog in my yard. I tried to run him off, but he wouldn’t leave. This went on for a few days, and I began to feel sorry for him and fed him scraps. Then I was stuck with him. He was destroying my flower beds, so I put him in my fenced yard. I called animal control to check him for a microchip, but he tried to attack her, so I didn’t learn whether or not he belonged to someone. KAREN GARRETT I’D ENJOY HELPING YOU WITH YOUR NEW & USED-CAR NEEDS 940-627-2177 jameswood.com BUICK CHEVY GMC HYUNDAI Newcomers/Visitors Guide Don’t miss out on advertising your business in this Glossy Cover Special Publication! Distributed thoughout the year to Chambers, Motels, Restaurants & Local Businesses Deadline: June 16 Publication Date: July 22 I placed an ad in two papers. I took pictures with an article and placed them at the vet’s offices and filling stations. I got no calls. I had done everything I could to find him a home. I asked animal control to pick him up, and he was put to sleep. I hated to do this to the dog, but I had no choice. He had snapped at me, and I was afraid of him. So all I have to say, to whoever decides to dump an animal, is “Don’t do it.” It’s your responsibility to 2009 Cover Call Lori, Kelly, Laura Michelle or Lisa at 940-627-5987 or email us at ads@wcmessenger.com for more information. take care of this problem. Your dog could have hurt me or a child. He was part pit bull and chow and was not adoptable. Kathleen Ashley Decatur 16 Teams—5 ON 5 Tournament 16 Teams - 5 ON 5 Tournament (Ages 18 and up—Max 10 players per team) (Ages 18 and up - Max 10 players per team) Two Game Guarantee Two Four Game Possibility. Guarantee . . If you’ve got the Skills. . . Four Game Possibility... Friday Evening If you’ve got and the ALL skills... Day Sat. Friday Evening June 4th and & ALL 5th Day Sat. $250 June Per 4 Team & 5 $250 Per Team All proceeds benefitting: Bellevue ISD Parent Teacher Organization All proceeds benefi tting: Bellevue ISD Parent Teacher Organization HURRY AND SIGN UP-SPACE IS LIMITED REGISTRATION CONTACT: Manya Morrow PTFO President 940-733-4669 Sign Up Deadline June 1st The 11th Annual United Way of Wise County Golf Tournament was a big Success Thanks to You! Special Thanks to our Title Sponsor James Wood Motors, Inc. for the Hole-in-one prize: 2010 Chevy Cobalt 2 door Coupe Sign Sponsor: Fox/Suarez Signs Hole Sponsors Andy Mattison Memorial Belew & Singleton, Attorneys at Law Bridgeport Building Center Bridgeport Tank Trucks Dana Manoushagian, Attorney at Law Decatur Lumber Company Decatur Main Street Decatur Tire Store Double Creek Capital Ltd. EC Stryker First National Bank of Runaway Bay First State Bank of Chico Floors & More Frilly’s Prize Sponsors A Ray of Flowers Ashley Smalley Bill Brimmer Cheryl Renfro Chili’s of Decatur Cocanougher Properties, Inc. Cyd Bailey Dana Manoushagian, Attorney at Law Decatur Golf Club Team Sponsors B and H Maintenance & Construction Bridgeport Tank Trucks CenturyLink David Rogers Construction Decatur City Employees Devon Energy Corp. DFW Rotec Dr Pepper G-M Custom Homes JKM Resources, Inc. John Schedcik Custom Homes Legend Bank Lone Star Lawn & Landscaping Marilyn J. Belew, Attorney at Law McMaster New Holland Meyers-McComis, Inc. Miller & Haney, Attorneys & Counselors NorTex Realty North Texas Bank, N.A Plaza Cinema III Rotary Club Sandford Investment Partners Dena Silvers Flawless Lines Salon Go Go Gumbo Golf Club at The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake Hanson Aggregates Justin Larsen Launa Wilhite Linda Potts Messenger Office Supply Energy Services Falcon Technologies First Financial Bank First State Bank of Chico Hanson Aggregates Legend Bank Mercer Well Services North Texas Bank PAC Senior Care Health & Rehabilitation Center Signal Completion Services Simpson Boyd & Powers Attorneys at Law South Beach Taco Factory The Bridgeport Index The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake TXI Bridgeport Stone Urnet Uselton Insurance Agency Warner Radio Wise County Messenger Wise Electric Cooperative, Inc Youngs Tank, Inc. Michael Petty North Texas Bank Peppermill Diner Plaza Cinema IV Radio Shack of Decatur Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes Walmart Wells Fargo Bank Woodhaven National Bank Plaza Cinema IV Poco Graphite, Inc. Sam Renshaw Select Energy Services Steve Jones Techline TXI Walmart Wise Regional Heath Systems Employees “Special Thanks to Andrew Rottner of North Texas Bank, N.A. and Cyd Bailey of First State Bank of Chico for their hard work as Co-Chairs of this event! Thanks also to all those who worked as volunteers during the tournament!” All proceeds from this tournament will be dedicated to the United Way of Wise County Operating Budget.
Page 1 and 2: VOLUME 131 - NO. 42 THURSDAY, MAY 2
Page 3 and 4: WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Tex
Page 5: WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Tex
Page 9 and 10: EQUAL HOUSING ® MULTIPLE LISTING S
Page 17 and 18: WISE COUNTY MESSENGER THURSDAY, MAY
Page 19 and 20: Celebrations ALL AROUND WISE, Decat
Page 21 and 22: NEW ARRIVALS ALL AROUND WISE, Decat
Page 23 and 24: ALL AROUND WISE, Decatur, Texas, Th
Page 27 and 28: SUDOKU Complete the Sudoku grid so
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Page 35 and 36: DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF GRADUATION 20
Page 37 and 38: more Grilling favorites LOW PRICES
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05-27-2010-Thursday - Wise County Messenger

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