Paw Print Press Proudly Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997 Itasca, Texas 76055 Vol. 2009 Issue #17 April 24, 2009 Itasca EDC Gives Lawless Park a Facelift Reporter Megan Goff

Spring cleaning in Itasca has also led to the renovation of the park behind the municipal court and city hall building. “The park was just horrible,” City Administrator Mark Gropp said. “The new park is being created with the whole community in mind.” Currently, construction workers are putting up a wooden privacy fence to shut out the water supply tanks behind the park and there will be a three rail fence around the rest of the park. The workers have already torn down and hauled off the old fireplace and rotting covered picnic table. New additions to the park will be a play set, new grills, an arbor, picnic tables and hopefully a stage for the band to play during homecoming and maybe community concerts. “We are hopefully the basics will be done by the end of May and by homecoming in the fall will have a very nice setup,” Gropp said. The project will certainly beautify Itasca and give the community a nice place to hold a variety of events but the EDC has bigger plans and objectives for the undertaking. Their ultimate goal in all of their projects is make Itasca more enticing to businesses who might be considering Itasca as a site for locating. District/Area Track Meets Send 12 to Regional Competition Reporter Ashley Durham

On April 8 and 9, the high school track team traveled to Hubbard to compete in the district track meet. The track participants represented Itasca well and came away with numerous medals and tickets to the area meet. Greg Mason placed 1st in triple jump and long jump and Markell Rice did Itasca proud by taking a 2nd in the high jump. Jacob Boyd placed 5th in high jump and 2nd in the 300-meter hurdles. Shakeal Mozon placed 5th in the 100-meter dash. Martel Wallace placed 3rd in the 400-meter dash and Phillip Thomas took 1st in both the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Jaciel Gutierrez placed 5th in the 800-meter run. The boys’ relay team of Stanley Johnson, Desmond Guy, Greg Mason, and Markell Rice placed 2nd in the 400 meter relay, 1st in the 800 meter relay and 1st in the 1600 meter relay. They advanced in all of the races. Not to be outdone by the boys’ team the Lady Cats came on strong. Megan Goff placed 1st in pole vault and 2nd in 100-meter hurdles. Jasmine Guy took 2nd place in the 100-meter dash. Continued on page 5. Page 2 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Churches of Itasca Itasca Ministerial Alliance Sat. May 9 9:00 a.m. Presbyterian Church Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 Itasca Zoning Committee Meeting Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 2nd Monday of Month 6:00 p.m. - 136 N. Hill St. First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 Itasca City Council Meeting First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 Monday, May 18, 2009 - 6:00 p.m. First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 Itasca ISD School Board Meeting Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 April 27 & May 11 7:00 p.m. Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 Chamber of Commerce Meeting St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 rd Business Meeting April 27 3 Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 Itasca Nursing Home Sunday - 10:00 a.m. Volunteer Fire Department Meetings Everyone Welcome Monday Evening 6:00 p.m. 2nd Monday of Month Business Meeting - 7:00 p.m. rd Central Baptist Church 3 Monday of Month Fire Training - 7:00 p.m. Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. Memorial Prayer Garden R.A.’s & G.A.’s (1st-6th) - Youth (7th-12th) 5:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Completed Tuesday - Ladies’ Bible Study 10:45-12:15 p.m. Press Release Wednesday - Supper 6:00 p.m. ($2.00 ea. w/$10.00 max/family) Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 p.m. - Youth (7th-12th) 7:00 Kids’ Choir 7:00 p.m. website - itascacbc.org First United Methodist Church Guaranteed no-nap Preaching, or double your doubt back. Where Worship Is Joyous Experience the energy of God’s promise in a beautiful, historic sanctuary. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 10:50 a.m. Itasca Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla St. Are we taking a test without reading the book?

That is exactly what many are doing when it comes to the Bible. They go by what they feel, think, or what others have The Session, Pastor, and members of First told them, but have never read for themselves the complete Presbyterian Church of Itasca invite everyone to come book. This is the most important test you will ever take! by and see and enjoy their beautiful Prayer Garden. Won't you join us at the Itasca church of Christ? This garden is in memory of Barbara Hooks, a faithful We meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am for Bible classes member of our church and life-long Itascan. Although and at 10:45 am for worship, and at 5:00 pm for worship. it was dedicated in February 2008, there were a few We also meet at 7:00 pm on Wednesday for Bible study. All problems that needed to be taken care of and a few are welcome. things to be added before we could really call it "completed." First Presbyterian Church The garden has been set aside as a spot to meditate and pray, and so we ask that you use it for those 9:15 - 9:45 Fellowship Time in Barton Hall purposes and those purposes only. If you should need 9:45-10:30 Sunday School all Ages 10:50-Worship Service someone to pray with you, the pastor, Diane Barnes, is Crossroads (Praise & Worship Band) - Sunday 6 p.m. in her office on Tuesday and Thursday. Just ring the KFC (Kids For Christ) - Sunday 6:30 Fellowship Hall doorbell of the Educational Building (the tall tower). Youth Fellowship grades 7-12 Sun. 6:30 - 3rd floor Prayer is so important, and we hope that this garden Exercise Classes - Sr. Citizens Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m. will inspire you to pray, even in the midst of a busy Ladies Bible Studies day. It's especially nice when the carillons are playing 2nd Monday morning & 3rd Thursday evening ea. month at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m.. Angel Food Ministry Host Site - 686-2243 www.fpcitasca.org Page 3 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Q, U Nuptials Celebrated

Each year in later April, the kindergar- ten classes celebrate the union of the con- stant “Q” and the vowel “U.” The young kindergarten men dress in their Sunday finery and wear ties “embroidered” with the letter “Q” while the young ladies “U” wear their pretty dresses, heels and a bri- dal headpiece. Elementary Principal Karon Farquhar performs the ceremony that explains the special relationship be- tween Q and U. As the youngsters and their guests looked on Mrs. Farquhar read the vows. “Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here today to join Q and U in matrimony. They will be together forever to spell words such as quarter, quack, quill, quiver, quiet, queen, quilt, quick, question, quan- dary, quartet, quip and quest. Q will be under- standing when other words need U. Words like umbrella and un- derdog have no need for Q but need U. U will have to be there for Q supporting Q in all words. Like other married couples, they will have quarrels. But even so, they must stick together like quicksand to solve any quandaries. Now for the big ques- tion – Q - do you take U to have and to hold, through spelling and read- ing, in quarrels and in health, for ever and ever (unless U is needed in another word)? Q – “I do.” U - do you take Q to be your lawfully wedded partner to have and to hold, through spell- ing and reading, in quarrels and in health, for ever and ever? U – “I do.” If there are any letters of the alphabet who know of any reason for Q and U not to be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace. By the power vested by the ABC University I now pronounce you Qu! Ladies and Gentlemen I give you - Qu! Following the joyful ceremony, the PALs helped to served cake and punch at the reception provided by kindergar- ten teachers, Ms. Michelle Cole, Mrs. Amanda Roundsavale and Ms. Kim Camp. Waggin Trail Bike Ride Scheduled Saturday, May 2, 2009 Press Release

Hill County Paw Pals and Hillsboro Police Department Community Outreach Programs have teamed together for our second annual “Waggin Trail Bike Ride 2009” scheduled May 2 (first Saturday). This event will include five routes that cover scenic Hill County: 10, 26, 40, 58, and 70 miles. Coordinated traffic control will be provided by lo- cal law enforcement and volunteer fire departments. Registration opens at 6:30am, hosted by Hillsboro Lions Club at Outlets at Hillsboro’s North Village, Suite 184 next to Pro Nails. The ride begins at 8:00am. We are proud to an- nounce Outlets at Hillsboro as the event sponsor. Following this event, Outlets at Hillsboro will continue the fun with their 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. This FREE event is packed with family oriented entertainment and the Tractor Supply sponsored Chihuahua Dog races. Log onto www.waggintrailbikeride.com to pre-register for the bike ride, or sign up the day of the race. Pre-registration forms for the Chihuahua dog race can be found at www.outletsathillsboro.com. Brochures with registration forms are available at the Customer Service desk at Out- lets at Hillsboro located next to Sunglass Hut. If you would like to volunteer to help or would like more information, please call (254)-580-0679 or email: [email protected]. Page 4 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Senior Sponsor Spotlights Reporter Aren Barton Mrs. Deborah Buxkemper

Senior sponsor Mrs. Deborah Buxkemper has high expectations for this year’s senior class. “They are a very close knit class with some very high achievers and out- standing athletes.” Buxkemper said. “I expect a lot from them as they go out into the world.” Mrs. Buxkemper graduated from Deer Park High School in Deer Park, Texas and then went to college at Mary-Hardin Baylor where she earned a degree in Biology and Chemistry. She has taught school at Itasca ISD, Aquilla ISD, and Hillsboro ISD. She has been a teacher for over 35 years and brags that she taught High School Principal Rickie Harris, when he was in high school. Outside of school, Mrs. Buxkemper enjoys working in her flower beds and playing with her grandchildren. She is the mother of one daughter, one son, and the grandmother of four grandchildren. She has been married 38 years to her husband, Bill. Mr. David Scott Reporter Aren Barton David Scott, known as Colonel Scott to many, has been the spon- sor of the Class of ’09 since they were freshmen. Scott is married to Debra Scott, who is an employed as the middle school secretary. They will celebrate their 37th anniversary in July. Mr. Scott has been only been teaching for 6 years, but once he de- cided to make teaching his second career, he did it in a big way. Not only does he teach high school math and dual credit math at IHS, he also is an instructor at Hill College. In his spare time, he devotes most of his time to taking care of his house and yard. He does treat himself to a game of golf two or three times a year and tries to attend as many IHS athletic events as possible in support of his students. Before becoming a teacher, Scott was in the Air Force and is a very proud veteran. When he retired from the Air Force, he decided to become a teacher because he believes it is a way to make a difference in next generations. Mr. Scott’s words of advice to the seniors are, “Congratulations! You’ve done well. Just remember, it’s the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end.”

Mrs. Lisa Von Borstel Reporter Mary Maddox

Lisa Von Borstle, also known as Mrs. V to the students of Itasca high, teaches 9th – 12th grade special education classes. This is her second year at IHS. “My favorite subject to teach is English,” she said. “It’s very flexible and you can be more creative.” Mrs. V graduated from UT Dallas majoring in speech pathology. She de- cided that wasn’t for her and began working for IBM, but she later discov- ered that she wanted to do “something that meant more than just being a number.” Teaching was that calling and she has pursued that dream for 17 years. She is working on her Masters in Psychology and has plans to graduate by 2011. Mrs. V. has been married to Harry Von Borstel for 18 years and they are the parents of four children, Jason, Lance, Josh, and Sarah. Besides teaching Mrs. V enjoys gardening and working in the family Bed & Breakfast with her husband in Peoria. Her words of wisdom for the seniors are “Be careful with your decisions, one decision can change your life for- ever.” ***See business card on Page 7 Page 5 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press District/Area Track Continued from page 1

The girls’ relay team of Megan Goff, Eva Mayberry, Jasmine Guy, and Sha’Monica Anderson placed 3rd in the Sprint Relay. Caurtney Phillips was scheduled to run in the relay but she was recovering from a hamstring injury. In the Area Meet in Hubbard on April 15, both the girls’ and boys’ relay teams advanced to the Re- gional Meet. Also advancing were Greg Mason, Jacob Boyd, Markell Rice, Martel Wallace, Phillip Tho- mas, Megan Goff and Jasmine Guy. The Regional Meet is in Nac- ogdoches on May 1 and 2. Wampus Cats’ Baseball/Softball in Full Swing Reporter Ashley Durham

After an extended basketball season for both the Wampus Cats and the Lady Cats, their baseball and softball pro- grams got under way with very little practice time. Playing on the Wampus Cats Baseball team are pitchers J.J. Gonzalez, Ryan Crouch and Tevin Mayberry; catchers B.J. Jackson and Daniel Odom; short stop Walker Hoard and Leo Coronado; 1st base, Ryan Crouch, Kenneth Clary and Matt Wilkins; 2nd base Bob Slotvig; 3rd base Jack Panting and outfielders Zech O’Rarden, Mikey Marshall, Eddie Coronado, Matt Wilkins and Walker Hoard. Since the team lost Coach Dakan earlier in the year, Kirby Basham is their head coach with Jeffery Mayberry assisting. The Wampus Cats played their first game on March 19 and they have improved with each game. With only 5 more games to play they are undefeated in district. Unfortunately for the Lady Cats’ Softball team the story is a little different. They are still working out the kinks within the team. They have only won one game but they show potential to be great in upcoming years. The team has a number of newcomers that have never played before. They are 1-5 in district. Page 6 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press

Itasca ISD February Meetings Regular Meeting February 9, 2009

The Board of Trustees of the Itasca Independent School District met in regular session on Monday, February 9, 2009, in the Itasca ISD Administration Building at 7:00 p.m. Present were Board President Susan Bason, Vice Presi- dent Oscar Castillo, Jr., Secretary Angelia Orr, Nancy Bowman, Brian Bassett and Kevin Cordell. Board member Marquita Lloyd was absent. Administration present were Superintendent Glenn Pittman, IHS Principal Rickie Har- ris, Middle School Principal Larry Mynarcik, Elementary School Principal Karon Farquhar, Business Manager Kim Eaddy and Secretary Norma Merkel, Visitors present were Dr. Steve Johnson, Cindy Michaels, Barbara Ellison, Barbara Petrash and Verl Childers. Frank Arellano addressed the board regarding the district policy of hair length for students. He expressed the de- sire for the board to consider changes to the policy due to the Native American heritage. Motions were made and passed to approve the board meeting minutes from December 15, 2008, January 12, 2009, and January 20, 2009 meetings, to approve audio recording of board meetings and to set dates for board workshops for the spring 2009 semester. The second monthly meetings are to be on the fourth Monday of each month except when disrupted by an event or holiday. Dates approved were February 23, March 23, April 7, May 26 (due to Me- morial Day), June 22, July 27 and August 24. Dr. Steve Johnson reported to the board regarding district improvements. He presented a report to the board of where the district is and the actions and process needed to take place to become compliant. Motions were made and approved to approve the financial report for February and to approve the amending 2008-09 operating budget as follows: Increase Decrease 199-11-6411-00-999-921 $360 Transfer from GT instructional employee travel 199-23-6239-00-101-921 $90 Transfer to ESC Region 12 GT training –Elem principal 199-23-6239-00-041-921 $90 Transfer to ESC Region 12 GT training-MS principal 199-23-6239-00-001-921 $90 Transfer to ESC Region 12 GT training-HS principal 199-31-6239-00-999-921 $90 Transfer to ESC Region 12 GT training-Counselor Superintendent Pittman presented the districts’ 2007-2008 Academic Excellence Indicator System report to the public and board. He discussed the board information that is to be included in the board packet prior to each meet- ing. It will contain enrollment, attendance and upcoming events for each campus. A motion was passed to approve adding Karen Baker, Kaitlin Berry, Princess Hughes and Sharon Kennedy to the substitute teacher list. The board went into executive session at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened into open session at 10:17 p.m. At that time a motion was passed to renew the superintendent’s contract to stay current through the year 2013 and increase the salary $3000. The meeting adjourned at 10:19 p.m. Called Meeting February 23, 2009

The Board of Trustees of the Itasca Independent School District met in called session on Monday, February 23, 2009, in the Itasca ISD Library at 7:00 p.m. Present were Board President Susan Bason, Vice President Oscar Casti- llo, Jr., Secretary Angelia Orr, Marquita Lloyd, Nancy Bowman, Brian Bassett and Kevin Cordell. Administration present were Superintendent Glenn Pittman and Secretary Norma Merkel, Visitors present were Dr. Steve Johnson, Barbara Petrash and Verl Childers. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The state and federal special program budgets were not complete for this meeting to take action on. A motion was passed to set the summer hourly pay rate for teachers at $25. The meet- ing adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Lab Pups for Sale AKC Black Males & Females Wormed, Shots, Dewclaws Removed $400 Parents are super hunting dogs. Ready to go May 2 Call Kerry or Kimberly 817-360-6105 or 254-366-1699 Page 7 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Cinco de Mayo Dance/Baille Itasca Rotary “Coffee House” Friday, April 24 6:30 p.m. Saturday - April 25 First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 8 pm til Midnight @ The Warehouse Presale tickets $10 - $12 at door Adults $5 Couples $7 Ticket price includes live entertainment, coffee & desserts. Students $3 Entertainment in Order of Appearance Children 10 & Under Presbyterian Praise Band Free Methodist Church : Cathy Wood, Linda Hinson, Ken Baysden, Lorene Clarihew DJ Larry D Jennifer Pittman Auction Martha Gordon Raffle Drawing Central Baptist Youth: Oasis Food & Fun Presbyterian Church: Kimberlea Emborsky First Baptist :Gene Farquhar All Proceeds Go To Itasca Cinco de Mayo Debbie Cole has tickets in the main HILCO office. Joe Marek Scholarship Fund and Bob Wilson have tickets in the HILCO operation building Fundraiser for Queen Nominee Autumn and Cory Cole has tickets at Citizen State Bank. Pelham The money raised will go towards the club Polio Plus and the Thanks to Everyone for all Help & Support Rotary Foundation pledge. Please plan on attending. If you have small children the nursery will be open on the second floor of the Cindy Lou’s Home Cookin’ church. Waggin Trail Bike Ride 2009 Press Release

Saturday, May 2, is around corner and promises a great day for a terrific bike ride that will benefit both Hill County Paw Pals and Hillsboro Police Department Community Outreach Programs with their second annual “Waggin Trail Bike Ride 2009.” This Hours of operation event will include five routes that cover scenic Hill County: 10, 26, Mon. – Thurs. & Sat. 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. 40, 58, and 70 miles. Coordinated traffic control will be provided Friday 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. by local law enforcement and volunteer fire departments. We are Sunday 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. proud to announce that we will be hosting some 50 boy scouts from Troop 838, Dallas, North District Circle 10. The scouts will Friday Night Special be working on their cycling merit badges. To make this a true All You Can Eat Fried Catfish $9.99 scouting event, the troop will bivouac at Hill College the night 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. prior. Come join the fun! Registration opens at 6:30am and will To Go Orders 687-9948 be hosted by Hillsboro Lions Club at Outlets at Hillsboro’s North Village, Suite 184 next to Pro Nails. The ride begins at 8:00am. Outlets at Hillsboro is the event sponsor. Following this event, Outlets at Hillsboro will continue the fun with their 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. This FREE event is packed with family oriented entertainment and the Tractor Supply sponsored Chi- huahua Dog races. Log onto www.waggintrailbikeride.com to pre- register for the bike ride, or sign up the day of the race. Pre- registration forms for the Chihuahua dog race can be found at www.outletsathillsboro.com. Brochures with registration forms are available at the Customer Service desk at Outlets at Hillsboro lo- cated next to Sunglass Hut. For more information, please call

(254)-580-0679 or email: [email protected]. Page 8 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Lil’ Cheer Camp Postponed Come and Get It $$$$$$$ Reporter Mary Maddox The summer Lil’ Cheer Camp sponsored by the IHS varsity cheerleaders has been postponed until The Texas Comptroller's of- the latter part of the summer, possibly the end of fice holds abandoned and un- July or early August due to IISD maintenance and claimed property reported by renovations in the Special Events Center. businesses and financial institu- Posters, flyers and newspaper ads will be forth- tions until its owners or their coming during the first week of July with all infor- mation and entry forms. legal heirs claim it. The follow- ing Itascans have money. To Cinco de Mayo Bake Sale claim it go to for http://www.window.state.tx.us/up search and print the claim form. Queen Nominee Shelbi Rogers Claudia’s Hair Salon in Grandview Pati Arellano Raymond Arellano Tobe L. Arellano Saturday, April 25 G. Ellis Bailey Howard D. Bailey W. P. Bailey J. W. Baker Vernon Baker Larry Ball 9:00 a.m. – Sold Out IISD Booster Club Meeting Itasca Cinco de Mayo Baby Tuesday May 5, 2009 Contest IISD Library 7:00 p.m.

Ages 0-36 months The club will vote on next year’s officers. All parents, May 2, 2009 11:00 a.m. grandparents and citizens of Itasca who are interested in Downtown Itasca helping our young people are welcome to join the Booster Club. For more information call Felicia Coleman at 254- Entry fee $5.00 per child 687-2922 ext. 156. Mail entry fee & 5x7 card w/name & age Cinco de Mayo Baby Contest St. John’s YAP Bake Sale P O Box 345 Itasca, TX 76055 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Entry Deadline – April 30, 2009 Saturday, May 2 No Exceptions! Downtown Itasca

For more information call Francis Salinas St. John’s Youth Al- @ 254-580-8276 – leave message ternative Program will hold a bake sale during HS Freshmen Orientation the Cinco de Mayo cele- Press Release bration on Saturday, All incoming freshmen and their par- May 2 to raise money for ents are invited to high school orienta- construction of the YAP tion Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in the structure. They are asking for help with the baked library. Higher education, Texas Grant, goods. If you would like to help please contact Stepha- Top 10%, course work and schedules, nie Houston at the elementary school (254-687-2922 financial aid and expectations will be ext 120) and have your baked items ready on May 1. discussed. For Sale Blood Drive Deep Freezer {Haier} - Have Manual/Temp. Control America Red Cross Interior & Exterior Drain Plug Vinyl Coated Wire Basket May 15 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dimensions 28” Wide X 33” Tall Itasca High School 2 Yrs. Old - Great Shape Sponsored by IHS Student Council Call 254-687-2467 Kim Page 9 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Do You Remember...?–“Itasca in the Early 1930’s Columnist Carl Sweeney

Itasca and the whole area experienced one of the worst weather spells ever in the winter of 1929 and 1930. We received the worst snowfall ever recorded here and in other areas. The accumulation was 20 to 30 inches over the area. Then January followed with ex- tremely cold weather, hardships were experienced by people trying to travel. The Presby- terian Home people had trouble getting to town. The pipe from their old wooden water tower froze and they had no water except what they hauled in barrels. Also in 1930, two trucking lines said that they delivered more freight each day to Itasca than any other town between Ft. Worth and Houston. In other news that year the local Ruskin Club made its annual report on April 24. The state report was made by Miss Jimmie Martin, the Club delegate. Last week a car from the Orphans Home ran into the front of the Witte Bakery. Buie’s Store in Stanford, Texas, reported the sale of eleven Farmalls, also the Buie Store at Venus sponsored a cooperative farm program which in- cluded a dinner, with talks by Itasca’s Fred Newport and Johnson County demonstrators. The newspaper also said; Leroy Buie, Fred Pruitt, and Haddell Porter are in Dallas attending a refrigeration school sponsored by the Crosely Corp. Mr. Pruitt is also attending a school by the Maytag Corp. The Itasca Black Panthers baseball team is doing good this year. They have played fourteen games and lost only one. The Negro team also defeated West and Cleburne. In an Itasca Item ad the Qualla Cotton Seed Co. said their cotton made 40 to 42 percent lint. May 4, 1932. The Itasca Chamber of Commerce and the merchants sponsored a “Trade Day” in Itasca. It will be held monthly. The first one last week drew large crowds. The program consisted of music, contests of various kinds, and a drawing. Prizes awarded in the afternoon. Then the streets were roped off and a greasy pig race was held. Billy Cummings captured the pig. Other contestants were W. P. Bailey, James Rhea, Elmo Kemp, Lon Morton, Miss Lissie Underwood, G. W. Spruce, Mr. Bascom McCanles, Edna Burgess, James Erby, and Donald Lee Whitson. Donald Lee won both the potato race and the 100-yard dash. He received a dress shirt donated by J. D. Stovall’s Store. Margaret Reece won the girls 50-yard dash, she will receive a haircut and shampoo at the Standly Barber- shop. For her effort, Ruth Curlee won the basketball throw. She was awarded a box of candy from the Pruitt Con- fectionary. It was a happy day for Itasca, good fellowship and a good time was had by all. Almost all of the mer- chants donated their wares and they reported heavy sales for the day. To list some of the stores participating, they were: S.W. Rauch Jewelry, Coutret Pharmacy, Cozy Café, Etters Café, Buie’s, the A & P Tea Company, Petrified Station, Derden and Wilkinson Hardware, Champion Shoe Shop, Brown Reece Furniture, Rainbow Inn, Witte’s Bakery and the Westside Garage. I am sure some of you will remember those stores. Oct. 26, 1934. A crowd estimated to be six hundred people attended the Second Annual Hill County Fox Hunt last Saturday and Saturday night. The event is sponsored by Mannie Turner, Manton Turner, Mid Mead, Pete Harris, Tom Hickey, Bob Wilkinson and others. The event was held on the mountain east of Itasca and lasted from mid- afternoon Saturday until early Sunday morning. There were about a hundred fox hounds in various categories. The award ceremony was followed by an old fashioned barbecue supper. It was then about dusk and the race began. The hounds were in full cry and the fox was very obliging. He circled the area where the crowd was several times. The crowd could then experience the race close-up. The night was still and the hounds could be heard all over the moun- tain. When the fox was treed, the hounds were called off. The fox was never killed. The sport was for the chase only. At first there were no red fox in our area, so Mannie Turner, Mid Mead and a few others imported some for chase. The area where the event was held was lighted by H.M. McCollough. He was called the “The Battery Man” of Itasca. There was one bit of excitement; a rattlesnake was killed nearby resulting in the departure of some of the faint of heart. The event was declared a huge success and most said they would look forward to the event next year. May 13, 1936 a road will be paved from Lee Summit to Files Valley. The project will be done by the WPA and will employ about fifty men. Most all roads in Itasca are black dirt, and almost impassible during very wet weather. About the middle of the 1930’s I remember an incident that has stayed with me all these years. We lived just south of the cotton mill at the time. About a mile south of us lived Bryan Whitfield and Dewey Barnes. A litter of wild dogs were born on Bryan’s place. They were wild as wolves and looked like greyhounds. Dewey and Bryan finally caught them after many tries. The incident created a lot of interest in Itasca. I guess it was because the dogs were so wild and difficult to catch. I don’t remember what disposition was made of the dogs. Anyway, about this point in time the Depression seemed to be easing and the veterans got their bonuses; we were starting to farm with tractors, combine and other farm machinery. This made our lives on the farm much easier. Page 10 April 24, 2009 Paw Print Press Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

Wampus Cats of the Week Paw Print Press Supporters, Special of the Week Subscribers Plus “A very high percentage of my Reporter Megan Goff graduates continue their educa- tion at a two year or four year col- For the past 12 years, Paw Print Press supporters and lege or at a technical or trade subscribers have dropped a quarter or two into the PPP school. The community works containers or have mailed their $25 check in to the news- hard to provide as many scholar- paper office to pay for their subscriptions in support of ships as possible for them” their hometown newspaper. Many of the subscribers in- clude an extra $5, $10 or even $50 to help support the 2007 Chevy Uplander LS Journalism Scholarship Fund. Over the years, other read- Loaded, 7 Passenger, Quad Seats ers have made donations to the scholarship fund in honor of or in memory of loved ones. Since the inception of the Paw Print Press in 1997, every senior who is on the PPP has received a scholarship to assist them in furthering their education from these funds. The PPP is very proud of their alumni and estimate that over 97% of the graduating staff members used their scholarship to further their education in college. “As this year’s editor and a 3rd year Paw Print Press reporter, I am very appreciative of all of the supporters’ contributions,” Senior Editor Sarah Evans said. “I have been submitting scholarship applications since last fall and I am grateful for every dollar of scholarships I re- ceive.” Only 19K Miles! Great Buy! $13,985

Lloyd Ford – Proud Supporter of the Wampus Cats