Sunday's Internet Edition, July 20, 2008.
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| Jeff McCoy showed city council members the new DR power equipment Tuesday night. The city hopes this equipment will help the cleanup effort. |
- The Van Horn city council met Tuesday evening and had the opportunity to see some new power equipment which has just been received. The equipment will be utilized by the town to help with the city’s clean up efforts.
Jeff McCoy, the city’s Keep Van Horn Beautiful coordinator showed council the new DR Brush Mower and the new DR Power Trimmer machines. McCoy told council that these new machines were purchased with grant funds and are expected to make a huge impact in our plans for cleaning up the town.
The city has not defined the procedures for use of this new equipment yet, as it is pretty sophisticated and the city is not sure if they will assign users or let folks use this equipment after they have been trained.
And, during the session, council learned from McCoy that Texas Tech University is going to assign architectural students to come to Van Horn to prepare a complete redesign of the city’s historical district.
McCoy told council that the students are expected to arrive in town this week to begin work and the only expense to the city will be housing the team for a day or so and feeding them.
McCoy further told council that this project would dovetail nicely with the State Highway 54 project that is currently underway to install curbs and gutters along that highway in town.
Council members were asked to approve $8,000 from Convention Center funding to cover the expense of sending Van Horn representatives to the State Fair of Texas in late September and into October.
Those manning the town’s booth at the Fair, this year, include city staffers Brenda Hinojos, Patricia Golden, and Jeff McCoy. Additionally, AdventGX staffer Andrea Ramirez and representatives of Guadalupe Mountains National Park will be assisting.
Those at the Fair will split into two shifts. Hinojos, Ramirez and McCoy will cover the first part, and Golden and the Parks staff will cover the second part.
The approved funds for this effort will cover transportation and air fare costs, meals and motel rooms while at the Dallas Fair.
Other matters talked by council and action taken, if any, were as follows:
* They approved a mutual aid agreement between the Van Horn Volunteer Fire Department and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The agreement will provide that the Van Horn fire department can assist the Park in the event of a significant fire at the park. It will also allow the Park’s fire fighting capabilities to assist down here if necessary.
* Council talked about some street paving options in connection with the county’s Border Colonias project which is expected to begin very soon. Council looked at some options and financing of those options. They’ll hold a special meeting later, if needed, to finalize the paving plans.
* Council members learned that the city is still experiencing problems with some of the radio read water meters. The problems have not been resolved over the phone so the company is planning to send a representative to Van Horn to work the city through the problems.
* And, council talked about some lingering problems with two significant gas bills. Council asked City Administrator Becky Brewster to meet with the parties involved and to be prepared to bring a recommended course of action to the next council meeting. Councilman Dennis McBride commented, “This situation has been dragging on for nearly two years and it is time we solved the problem."
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
We are very grateful for the donation to the Van Horn Foundation which we received last week from one of our Advocate readers . Even though he has not lived here for years, and will not likely ever live here again, his first roots were established here and he still considers this home. He appreciates the foundation for life which he received growing up here and this was a small way he could give something back.
If more would consider this tax exempt donation we could see the foundation grow to the point that many of the things which now go undone because of the lack of funds, could soon begin to become realities. Not many of us have thousands to give, but if enough give just hundreds it would grow fast!
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The Eagles got off to a good start Friday night by avenging last year’s ‘barely lost’ game against their rivals, the Marfa Shorthorns. The ‘barely won’ game Friday night was sweet! And just a bit of Eagle trivia from fifty years ago……they won their season opener by beating Fabens 33-3.
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I know our readers enjoyed reading about another one of our World War II Veterans. But I thought I would tell you a little more about this long-time resident – about his life after the war.
Harold “Hock” Haynes entered Sul Ross State College on the G.I. Bill following the war. He graduated from there in 1953 with a BS in Range Animal Science and Biology as an honor student in Alpha Chi. In 1955 he received a Maters’ of Education in Agriculture from Sam Houston State.
In August of 1955 he came to Van Horn as Ag teacher at the high school, a position he held for many years. Upon the death of Diddle Young, Superintendent Herb Smith said “he got Hock out of the cowpen and put him into a coat and tie as Principal of Delaware School.” In 1971 he was elevated to Superintendent, and in 1974 he became Business Manager. He retired from Culberson I.S.D. in 1985 with 30 years in the Van Horn Schools.
His wife, Nellie, was Secretary and Bookkeeper of Van Horn Schools for 2 years and then in the classroom as Math teacher and Librarian. They have three children: Martha Munoz, a teacher in Dallas; Joe Haynes, a Master Plumber; and Mary Beth Serrano, artist and insurance clerk in Los Angeles.
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Want a way to remember friends’ and family birthdays? Can’t remember that meeting or event? Need an Advertisement? Well, it is time to think about the 2007 Van Horn Community Calendar. The Culberson County 4-H Club is now taking orders until Sept. 22. Simply make a list of everyone in your family – include birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials. If you have already purchased a calendar in the past, simply call to update your family information. Calendars will cost $7.00 this year. Call Toni Turnbow at 283-2762 to place your order if you have not already been contacted. If you would like to list an event or meeting, please contact Nati Davis during the day at 283-2985. All profits from the sell of the calendar will benefit the 4-H Club, and they really do appreciate your support.
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Thanks to our friend, Paz Bustamante, for emailing the following. Please spread the word………..
On Tuesday, September 11th, 2007, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this anniversary of our country’s worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn’t take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if your don’t, then at least make it a priority on this day. Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America!
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What If………
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn’t follow Him today?
What if God couldn’t take the time to bless us today because we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
What if God didn’t walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today? What if God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if God didn’t send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?
What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
September 6th - The Van Horn Eagle JV is slated to play Anthony here today beginning at 6 p.m. American Legion Post 508 is scheduled to meet this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Clark Hotel Historical Museum. Members of the Van Horn Volunteer Fire Department are slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at the firehouse.
September 7th - The Van Horn Eagles will play the Anthony Wildcats tonight in Anthony with kick off set for 8 p.m.
September 8th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
September 9th - Attend the church of your choice.
September 10th - Culberson County Commissioners are set to meet this morning at 10 a.m. in the County Courthouse. Van Horn Lions Club members are slated to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at the Sands Restaurant.
September 11th - Members of the Van Horn Rotary Club are scheduled to meet today at noon at Chuy’s. The Van Horn Lady Eagles volleyball team is slated to play Ft. Hancock here today beginning at 6 p.m.
September 12th - Nothing scheduled at press time.