The Coleman High School Senior Class 2008 Baccalaureate Service will be held Sunday, May 18, 2008. The service will be at First Baptist Church at 7:00PM with Rev. Daniell Stovall of Concho Baptist Church bringing the message "Trusting for Triumph". All parents, relatives, friends and interested members of our community are invited to attend. The seniors will take part in the program and are to meet at 6:25PM in the Fellowship Hall south of the auditorium. Contact information call Christina Henderson 625-2121.
“Art is Great in Twenty-0-8”
Written by Marian Johnson & Theda Rhea
Monday, 05 May 2008
“Art is Great in Twenty-0-8”
May 7-11 at the Franklin Center
When the dust settles and a final evaluation and count is made, the Juried Fine Art Show 2008 “Art is Great in Twenty-0-8” will look like this:
1 year in the planning and executing;
Hundreds of emails, phone calls, mailings and messages;
66+ patrons responded with help and support and words of encouragement;
123 entries were sent to the show by 49 artists statewide Representing 28 towns;
64 of those paintings were juried into the show by Tom Lockhart to hang in the exhibit on the newly installed Gallery Hanging System – funds provided by a grant from the Friends of the Foundation;
16 k-5th grade students entered the First Great Texas Blue Bunny Coloring Contest;
400 Coleman Elementary students toured the exhibit and watched 4 artists’ demonstrations;
14 Adult Workshop students from Del Rio, Dallas, San Angelo, Abilene, Brownwood, Carbon, & Coleman attended a 2-1/2 day workshop led by Tom Lockhart;
A critique by Lockhart of 46 paintings in a Power Point Presentation was presented Thurs. evening;
77 Tickets were sold for the Gala Dinner/Art Preview Saturday night with out of town guests for the Gala being from Buchanan Dam, Bertram, Abilene, Brownwood, College Station, Arlington, Carbon, Brady, Novice, Fredericksburg, Blanket, Nemo, San Antonio, and Voss. An Art Demonstration by Tom Lockhart, with the demo painting being up for bid, will be the highlight of the evening.
An Awards Celebration and Reception to present Exhibit awards in the amount of $ 2950 and Texas Blue Bunny Awards in the amount of $155 will be accomplished on Sunday afternoon, with the Sesqui Queen, Retamae Gaines, being the honored guest.
This sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? But it was possible because everyone participated and contributed his/her talents toward the greater good of the JAS. An appropriate motto is: “Nothing can stop a good idea whose time has finally come” (Victor Hugo) and we believe the time of the Juried Art Show has come.
Thanks to all who helped and contributed in any way. It is appreciated.
City Pool Being Re-lined
Written by --Contributed
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Crews from Atlantis Pool, Inc. out of Abilene are shown working with the final application of a new liner in the city’s swimming pool. Council made the decision to reline the pool when, at the end of last season, the old fiberglass liner was found to be to flaking off resulting in health and safety hazards for pool patrons. The total cost of the project is $52,800. The work will be finished before the beginning of this swim season. The city is in the process of hireing lifeguards to work with the summer swim season. Interested persons may apply at City Hall located at 200 West Liveoak.
Texas Blue Bunny Judging
Written by Marian Johnson
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
The judging has been done for the Texas Blue Bunny Coloring Contest! The Contest is a part of the Fine Arts League of Coleman Co., 2nd juried fine art show "Art is Great in Twenty-0-8". The Sesquicentennial Awards Celebration will take place Sunday, May 11, from 2-4 pm with a reception at the Bill Franklin Center to present the awards to the blue bunny contestants.
Sixteen young people entered the Texas Blue Bunny (created by retired teacher, Sherrell Hazlewood, shown with Judges Ted and Martha Shelton) Coloring Contest from K - 5th grade. The Fine Arts League is proud of these youngsters and wish them well in their future artistic endeavors!
The Judges for the contest were Ted and Martha Shelton, Brownwood artists, and supporters of the young people in exposing them to art in all media. Ted is the "Blue Bonnet painting King" and paints wildflowers on anything that stands still. You can see some of his beautiful work at the Commercial Ave. Antiques Mall in Coleman.
Accident Tuesday Afternoon
Written by --Contributed
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Walnut Street and Concho. According to officials on the scene, the Chevrolet van was going northbound on Concho and pulled out in front of the Chevy Z-71 pickup. No injuries were reported.
Walk for a Cure to be Held Saturday, May 10th
Written by Billie Mercer
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Help make this the biggest success ever! It’s to fight cancer!
It seems only a short time ago that we were announcing the annual “Walk For a Cure” Cancer Walk sponsored by Barbara Brown and the C. H. Hale Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc. for 2007. Here it is time to announce it again for 2008. Last year it was a huge success. We believe this year will be an even greater event as each year people are becoming more aware of what cancer can do to them or to a love one.
Right up front we want to tell you proceeds will be used to fund prevention and immediate care programs sponsored by the C. H. Hale Prostate Foundation as well as medical scholarships to deserving students in the county!
This is the Seventh Annual walk and it will be held on Saturday May 10, 2008 starting at 9 a.m. in front of the Coleman County Courthouse. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Bring your wheelchair patients, walkers, your dogs (as long as they don’t bite) and bring your babies in a stroller. This walk is for ALL CANCER survivors to come as the purpose is to celebrate YOU! If you can’t walk from the courthouse to J. E. Stevens Co. and back that is O.K. too. Someone will be there to give you a ride.
Not only cancer survivors are asked to come but all the community is urged to come and participate. Walk for a cancer friend, walk for a cancer survivor and walk for yourself. You will improve your health and feel great! And say, Team Holiday Hill is going to be on hand too.
Each year the walk has a special guest and is often dedicated to someone who has fought this dreaded disease and has overcome it. This year the walk will be dedicated in honor of Coleman’s own Connie (Griffis) McKee Whitney who has shown her faith, courage and strength beyond measure in her fight against breast cancer. Connie fought an Inflammatory Breast Cancer which is rare and very aggressive. However, with her family strongly behind her she now is a cancer survivor. She is truly an inspiration and has beauty within and without. She will be on hand to help lead the walk.
Also, the walk will have another outstanding guest. Victor J. Hirsch M.D. whose treatment and assistance to cancer patients is widely known. He has given valuable time to Coleman at the Coleman County Medical Center where he has come to assist by serving the needs of cancer patients here that are unable to travel to Abilene. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, American Cancer Society Abilene Board of Director and among many other organizations he also continues to serve on the C.H. Hale Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Since this is the day before Mother’s Day there will be a bake sale along with the walk at the courthouse. Donate your bake goods and bring them to the walk early Saturday. AND GUESS WHAT? There will be a Bar-B-Q Brunch immediately after the walk and each plate will be filled with delicious BBQ, the trimmings, along with a desert and a drink. It will be a time to visit and be among friends.
So, don’t get left out! Be in the “in crowd” on Saturday May 10, 2008 and “Walk for A Cure”! You will feel good within and without!
Chamber Banquet a Huge Success
Written by Billie Mercer
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Well over 300 people attended the Coleman Chamber of Commerce Banquet Friday evening and all appeared to have had a great time. A wonderful meal was prepared and served by the Coleman Rodeo Association.
Retamay Gaines and Amy Hinds
Retamay Gaines was presented a beautiful corsage from Amy Hinds, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, as she was recognized as the Unofficial Director of Coleman County’s Sesquicentennial Celebration (150 Years). Gaines very graciously welcomed everyone and spoke of the exciting events happening during the year.
It was then, under the excellent leadership of the Master of Ceremonies, Daniel Stovall, that winners of the four divisions were announced. Stovall noted that the award nominations had come from the community. The nominations were then turned over to a committee that made the final decision. The information was then given to the Chamber for preparation. No chamber board member, or chamber worker, nor anyone associated with the Chamber, had any input into those chosen to receive honors.
A very surprised Tammy Davis receives Teacher of the Year
First recognized was Teacher of the Year, Tammy Davis. Davis, an elementary math teacher, was presented the award by last year’s winner, Glenda Cash. She was spoken of as a good teacher, helping under achieving students advance. Davis often takes risks and tries different approaches when other methods have failed. She has taught for 20 years in the Coleman ISD beginning in 1988. Davis received her teaching certification from Howard Payne University in Brownwood. She was born in McKinney and raised in Baird. She is married to Jay Davis and they have a daughter, Taylor, now attending Texas Tech University. A very special note was written congratulating Davis from her former Superintendent, Skip Casey.
Alice Hempill Accepts Rural Citizen of the Year Award
The next award presented was the Rural Citizen of the Year, Mrs. Joe Pat (Alice) Hemphill. Presenting the award was last year’s winner Henry Dodson! Hemphill has shared her time and talents with Coleman County for almost 40 years. She has been a member of the Town and Country Garden Club since 1971. For the past 37 years she has worked during the Annual Coleman Rodeo and has given freely of her time and resources to the Bill Franklin Center and to the recently completed Expo Center. Hemphill is a charter member of Coleman County Texas A&M University Others Club Aggie Moms. Alice was the club’s first president. She is a history buff and a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She has also been very influential in the cattle business in Coleman County. Hemphill is a charter member of Keep Coleman Beautiful and served as the president of the organization. Hemphill was born in Lampasas and graduated from A&M University May 32, 1970 with a B.S. in Education. She is married to Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill and they have two boys, Heath and Brent. They also have two grandchildren.
Mark Griffis receives congratulations from his family
The third to be recognized was Citizen of the Year. Presenting this award was last year's recipient Gene Christian. This went to Mark Griffis who is a Coleman native. His love for his town has been shown in many ways. He has served as Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, a civil defense director, a school board and a Lions Club member. He is a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Griffis is a retired rancher and retired from an oil company. He is currently president of the Coleman County Medical Center’s Board of Directors. He has also served as Manager of the Coleman Chamber of Commerce. He was Production Foreman for Jones Company in Albany, Texas. Griffis is from a Coleman County Pioneer family. He and his wife Mary recently moved from the south area of the county to town but they love to go back to the home place to work and take care of the things they left behind. He is the son of Hazel and Theo Griffis. Griffis has a daughter, Connie, and through his marriage to Mary, shares the lives of Dr. Matthew Hausenfluke and Wendy Romano. They have five grandchildren and a brother, Bob Griffis, who lives in Abilene.
On the left Kyra Neff winner of last year's New Horizon Award presents Shana Everett with the award for this year
The last presentation was the New Horizon Award, which went to a person very dedicated to the growth of the community and county. Shana Everett was introduced by last year’s winner, Kyra Neff. Though fairly new to the community, Everett has already made a place for herself as she is very active in Circle C. Cattlewomen’s organization along with the Keep Coleman Beautiful group and is treasurer of the Coleman Junior Rode. She is an avid roper and loves to ride cutting horses. In Medina High School she was very active in FFA and was Texas Sweetheart in 1988. She was involved in basketball and High School Rodeo and was National High School Finals Rookie of the Year and All Around Champion. In 1988, she graduated from Tarleton State University in 1992 with a B.S. in Ag Economics. She was the 1991 American Cutting Horse Association World Champion. She is married to Cody Everett and they have a daughter Jessi Lee. She was employed as City Secretary in 2004 and is now employed by Needham Surveyors.
As each of the worthy recipients were brought to the podium they were overcome with emotion and were very grateful for the award. They thanked those present and each thanked the many who had meant so much in their lives. A common line was shown as they spoke showing their love and their desire to give whatever they could to continue making this an outstanding community. From the applause and the response one could tell how much they were appreciated.
Donnie Neff Playing the Organ
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Donnie Neff, who showed his fabulous talent on the organ. Later the crowd was entertained royally by the “Revolution" of Abilene. These young people brought hand clapping and toe tapping to a new height with their violin renditions. They come from both Cooper and Abilene High under the direction of Darcy Radcliffe who is director of music in both schools. Radcliffe’s father, Mark Best, once directed a group called the Cooper Fiddlers who at one time appeared at a Chamber Banquet.
Revolution, a group of students from Abilene High and Cooper performed with their violins
Executive Director Mary Griffis spoke briefly thanking everyone and also listing the new members to the chamber through the year. She thanked Dokie Bledsoe and Nina Childress for their outstanding directions and Clyde Saverance for his multi-talent in contributions toward the decorations. She also heartily thanked all the Chamber Board and many others for their hard work toward making this a very successful event.
Rex Tackett and Daniel Stovall
An auction was held under the direction of Rex Tackett of Brownwood Owner of Wendlee roadcasting, which includes KSTA. President of the Chamber Board Sandra Barr presented an appreciation plaque to outgoing chamber president Michael Taylor. Bob Turner closed the successful evening by leading in the singing of “God Bless America”!
Last Updated ( Sunday, 27 April 2008 )
Texas Country Reporter Visits Coleman!
Written by Billie Mercer
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Interviews Texas Fun Bunch at Owl Drug Store!
There was lots of excitement in downtown Coleman Wednesday as the Owl Drug Store, located at 312 Commercial Avenue, became the focal point of a celebrity and his crew visiting another group of celebrities (to Coleman and the surrounding area, anyway).
You see, Bob Phillips the Texas Country Reporter was here to interview the Texas Fun Bunch which is a group of lovely ladies that have been together as friends for many years. They visit together, play together, attend special happenings and just enjoy being together. It is very unusual to have a group remain together as friends for well over 50 years.
They started out as six ladies meeting together for coffee, cokes etc. at various places. However, the Owl Drug Store became the main headquarters. The six who began the group were Maxine Cope, Peggy Burdick, Herman Jean Johnson, Mary Williams, Doris McCulloch and Jeannie Miller. Miller has since moved away and another, as they say, is a “stand-in” for her. She is Lillian Walker.
As a group, they went to school in Coleman, graduated, married, and had families. The children grew up, went to school here, and married, but no family members married into another of the family group. There were no divorces in any of these friends. Some are still married and some have been widowed, but they have remained close through it all. As one member said, “You know, it speaks well of Coleman.” Phillips and his crew were duly amazed.
The group has grown. Lots have joined the Fun Bunch and have made it quite impressive in numbers. Others are Nancy McKinney, Addie Rose Gilliam, Mary Jo Dozier, Grace Crum, Bonnie Barr, Linda Caldwell, Lillian Miller Walker, Crystal Jennings, Pearl Miller, Frances Staggs, Norma White, Carolyn Law, Madelle Rodgers, Betty Hunter, Vivian Williams, Latricia Southern, Joy Slack, Carrol Burroughs and Joan Burk.
The ladies of the Fun Bunch were very pleased that Phillips and his crew were willing to travel to Coleman, interview them and visit the old fashioned soda fountain and other exciting things in the Owl. Owner Jim Caldwell and his daughter Cathy Caldwell Allen and her beautiful little daughter Abigail were on hand to provide all the information they could.
Jason Anderson stands on the counter to get a good picture of the ladies.
The Producer of the show, Jason Anderson, who has been with Phillips since 1985, and Camera man Dan Stricklin, who has been with him for eight years, were the first to arrive. They shot pictures of the ladies and also Teresa Bentley, who works behind the old fashioned soda fountain. The two spent hours getting the shots they wanted.
Then the “boss”, Bob Phillips himself, arrived. After meeting with his producer and camera man, Phillips very graciously visited with the Texas Fun Bunch and discussed many topics. He was interested in each, how long they had been here and was amazed at the long standing friendship. “It's really something that this many have been together this long. It is most unusual” Said Phillips. He spoke with them on many topics including their views about the future of Coleman and the nation. He listened carefully as each expressed concerns and other issues that were on their minds.
Phillips Talks with the Fun Bunch
Soon, Coleman will be in the news on The Texas Country Reporter. We have been given no definite air time, but we Texas Country Reporter will let us know, and we will in turn let you know prior to air time.
It was an exciting and eventful day as the Texas Country Reporter rode through Coleman!
Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 April 2008 )
Early Voting Begins April 28th
Written by Billie Mercer
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
We feel by this time that our readers/listeners know the various candidates running for the school and city elections. However, we wanted to remind everyone that time is slipping up on us and Early Voting will begin this coming Monday April 28, 2008 in Coleman, Santa Anna and Novice. Panther Creek will not have an election until November.
One thing we want our voters to be sure they know is that the Coleman Independent School District Trustee election and the City Voting both will be held in the City Hall. You do not have to go to the school to vote for a trustee.
In Coleman Early Voting by Personal Appearance will take place in the City Hall starting Monday April 28 from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. They will close for the noon hour. Then it will begin again at 1 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m. This will occur each day until the end of Early Voting which will be on May 6, 2008.
There are two days during this time that the polls will be open for 12 hours. On Monday May 5 and Tuesday May 6 polls will be open at the City Hall for Early Voting from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Election Day will be May 10, 2008 and polls will remain open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on that day and will also be held at the Coleman City Hall where you may vote both for a school board trustee and a city official.
In Santa Anna the City of Santa Anna’s election and the school election will be held at the Santa Anna School’s Administration building beginning on April 28 through May 6. In Santa Anna, the two 12 hour early voting days will be at the beginning of Early Voting on Monday April 28 and Tuesday April 29th. The office open at 8 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. On the other days the Early Voting for the city and school candidates will start at 8 a.m. each morning and end at 4 p.m. each day. Early voting will end on May 6, 2008. On Saturday May 10, Election Day will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Anna School Administration Office for both the City of Santa Anna officials and the School Trustees.
According to Novice Mayor Wanda Motley Early Voting for the Mayor and city council places will begin April 28 and continue through May 6, 2008. However, they will not have the two days of 12 hour voting. Also, the hours that the City Hall at Novice will be open for voting will be determined at a later time and will have to be released later.
Please note that the Coleman County Medical Center and the Novice Independent School District will not have elections this time as there were no contested races.
Scouts Build a "Monkey Bridge"
Written by --Contributed
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
While Troop leaders (Drew Hubbard, James Cross, and Randy Aaron) kept 60 briskets cooking, 12 scouts built and suspended a "monkey" bridge across the Jim Ned Creek at their recent campout. (Taylor Baum shown on the bridge in photo) Numerous guests were then treated to a brisket dinner with all the fixins (including a dutch oven cobbler and a dutch oven chocolate cake) followed by an awards ceremony on Saturday evening. Special thanks to the generousity of land owner, Jerry & Jimmie Hubbard, for allowing the campsite to the troop. With only one "mysterious" brisket disappearance, the rest will be delivered to local residents who placed orders. Troop members attending the campout were Duston Crawford, Dalton Faries, Troy Hubbard, Taylor Baum, Hunter Johnson, Michael Watson, Austin Hubbard, Lane Watson, Dillon Dority, Johnathon McPerson, Wesley Willis, and Brandon McPherson.
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2008 City of Coleman Election Calendar
Feb 11 First day for filing application for place on ballot
Mar 10 Last day for filing application for place on ballot
Mar 11 First day to accept applications for voting by mail ballot
Mar 12-14 Draw for order of names on ballot
Mar 18> Last day candidate may withdraw name
Apr 10 Last day to register to vote (local voter registrar's office) to be eligible to vote in this election
Apr 28-May 6 Early Voting Period by Personal Apperance 8am til 12 noon, 1pm til 5pm
May 5 & 6 7am til 7pm
May 10 ELECTION DAY
To file for one of these offices, please contact City Secretary Sue Burleson in City Hall located at 200 W. Oak St., Coleman, Texas.
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Crews from Atlantis Pool, Inc. out of Abilene are shown working with the final application of a new liner in the city’s swimming pool. Council made the decision to reline the pool when, at the end of last season, the old fiberglass liner was found to be to flaking off resulting in health and safety hazards for pool patrons. The total cost of the project is $52,800. The work will be finished before the beginning of this swim season. The city is in the process of hireing lifeguards to work with the summer swim season. Interested persons may apply at City Hall located at 200 West Liveoak. .jpg "Image")
The judging has been done for the Texas Blue Bunny Coloring Contest! The Contest is a part of the Fine Arts League of Coleman Co., 2nd juried fine art show "Art is Great in Twenty-0-8". The Sesquicentennial Awards Celebration will take place Sunday, May 11, from 2-4 pm with a reception at the Bill Franklin Center to present the awards to the blue bunny contestants..jpg "Image")
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An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Walnut Street and Concho. According to officials on the scene, the Chevrolet van was going northbound on Concho and pulled out in front of the Chevy Z-71 pickup. No injuries were reported. .jpg "Image")
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Well over 300 people attended the Coleman Chamber of Commerce Banquet Friday evening and all appeared to have had a great time. A wonderful meal was prepared and served by the Coleman Rodeo Association. .jpg "Image")
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We feel by this time that our readers/listeners know the various candidates running for the school and city elections. However, we wanted to remind everyone that time is slipping up on us and Early Voting will begin this coming Monday April 28, 2008 in Coleman, Santa Anna and Novice. Panther Creek will not have an election until November. .jpg "Image")