Paw Print Press

Itasca, Texas 76055 Vol. 2015 Issue #42 October 16, 2015 Trailer Full of Cotton Bales Itasca Marches in Gates- ville Destroyed by Fire Editor: Jennifer Murray Tension was the name of the game Saturday October 11, 2015. Itasca award winning band traveled to Gatesville High School where they played their first competition. The band perse- vered through the heat and came out with a 1. This year the band has chosen to play, Pictures at an Exhibit, written by composer Mussorgsky who wrote the music after he visited an art gal- lery. The bands success can be found in its hard working leaders Director Mr. Middleton and assistant director Miss. Lloyd. As well as the dedi- cated players who make up the uniform

2015 IVFD Fund Fair Big Success Recently the Itasca Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Fund Fir. Fire Chief Cameron Of- futt stated that the fair was a big success grossing Photo by Itasca Assistant City Administrator George Bolling over $6,000 according to the first count. Offutt the Mid-day Thursday, October 8, Itasca City Hall received a newly named Fire Chief was apprehensive about very unusual phone call from a gentleman in Lubbock, who re- the success of this very important fundraiser since quested that the City contact the fire department concerning one he was so new at the job, but the department mem- of his trucks that was traveling on I-35W. His driver had con- tacted him and reported that the trailer was on fire on I-35W northbound between FM 66 (Exit 8) and FM 934 (Exit 7). The City employee called 911, but the fire had already been reported by a passerby on I-35W and the Itasca Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) was already in route. The truck was carrying a load of cotton bale. The driver was able to unhook the truck from the trailer and move the truck out of danger. The IVFD was assisted by several city employees (some do double duty) who brought the back hoe and removed the bales from the trailer in order to be able to access the bales that were on fire. Continued on page 3 bers stepped up and pulled it off in high fashion. Page 2 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Churches of Itasca First Presbyterian Church Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 106 N. Lamar - 254-687-2243 Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 [email protected] www.fpcitasca.org Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 Sundays - 9:30-10:00 Fellowship in Barton Hall Community Church of Itasca 10 - 10:45 Sunday School 11 a.m. - Worship Service First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar Bible Study – Sunday at 4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 Tuesday & Thursday – 10 a.m. Exercise Class First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 Barton Hall House of Faith of Itasca 129 W. Main Street Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 First Baptist Church of Itasca Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 James McCarty, Pastor Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 107 South Lamar St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 Sunday School 9:45 AM 3rd Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 Sunday Worship Service 10:45 AM Itasca Nursing Home Sunday - 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Adults & Youth 6:30 PM Everyone Welcome Monday Evening 6:00 p.m. Community Church of Itasca Community Church of Itasca invites you to join Central Baptist Church our service and fellowship Sunday mornings. Ser- 401 E. Monroe St. website - itascacbc.org vices are held at 109 N. Wall St., Itasca . We invite Pastor: Jonathan Bowman 254-687-2343 you to join our family and grow in Christ with us. Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. Community Church Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Potluck Lunch 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Youth 5:00 p.m.

Mon., Wed. & Friday 8 a.m. Bible Study House of Faith of Itasca Wednesday Night Meal 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Youth & Children 7 p.m. Pastor Philip Burch Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church Everyone Welcome! 401 E. Main St, Itasca, TX 254-687-2475 E-mail: [email protected] Ministerial Alliance of Itasca Re-Think Church The Ministerial Alliance is a group of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors local pastors and leaders that desire to share Sunday School 9:30 a.m.-10:30 (All ages) the gospel and love of Jesus Christ in our Sunday Worship Service 10:50 a.m. community. We would be excited to have you Pastor Tom Wood Snacks 10:40 a.m. join us! Please prayerfully consider being a part at our next meeting. Details to come! Itasca Church of Christ 303 E. Monroe 254-687-2774 254-687-2858 Itasca Zoning Committee Meeting God’s plan for saving man 2nd Monday of Month 6:00p.m. Hear the word of God . . . Romans 10:17 Itasca City Council Meeting Believe . . . Hebrews 11:6 Repent . . . Acts 17:30 If your Church is Confess Matt. 10:32 not listed above and Baptism . . . Acts 2:38 you would like to Remain Faithful . . . Rev. 2:10 have it advertised Sunday 9:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening 6:00 p.m. please contact the Paw Print Press at Second Missionary Baptist Page 3 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Band Marches in Gatesville Trailer Full of Cotton Bales Continued from page 1 “This year has been intense but also hard working, Destroyed by Fire every day we push our selves and everyone around us to Continued from page 1 be the best we can be,” said senior drill sergeant Fathe Approximately one-fourth of a mile of grass along I- Altum. The band is currently working hard to advance to 35W was also burned. IVFD was assisted by Covington state this year as well as getting 21 consecutive division Volunteer Fire Department and Hillsboro Fire Depart- one ratings.“ We feel so honored to apart of the band ment. Assisting Itasca PD with traffic control was the program. We would like to thank Mr. Middleton and Ms. Hill County Sheriff’s Office and Hill County Emer- Lloyd for their support, and the band for their hard gency Management Coordinator Tom Hemrick. work, and strong effort. We look forward to our last year IVFD was recalled to the scene later in the evening with the Itasca Wampus Cat Band,” Said drill sergeants with a report of some of the compressed bales reignit- Harley Germer and Shawn Castro. This years region is ing. Cotton bales are so tightly compressed that smol- Itasca Ministerial Alliance Minutes Of October 3, 2015 Meeting

The Itasca Ministerial Alliance met on Saturday, Oc- tober 3, at 10:00 at First Presbyterian Church. Attend- ing: Diane Barnes, Jonathan Bowman, Dean Bennett, Johnny Bates, and Henry Diggs. Meeting was opened with prayer led by President Jonathan Bowman. Financial report showed a balance of $669.33. The bake sale on September 18 raised $310.04. One person was helped with groceries during the month. Under Old Business, it was agreed that See You at the Pole was a great blessing with many youth attending. Under New Business, lists of food to go in the Thanksgiving boxes was distributed to those present. Also, plans for the Community Thanksgiving Service were finalized with the following pastors participating: Jonathan Bowman, Diane Barnes, Johnny Bates, Tom Wood, and Henry Diggs. Churches that were represented (Central Baptist, First Presbyterian, St. John’s Baptist, and Bethlehem Baptist) gave a report on activities at their church. Sev- eral prayer requests were also shared. Central Baptist and First Presbyterian both stated that they will have a Trunk or Treat at their churches Itasca Middle and High School

October 10 McGregor Invitational McGregor HS/JH TBA District Meet TBA HS/JH 26 Regional Meet Arlington HS November 7 State Meet Round Rock HS

Page 4 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press 2015 Veterans Day Assembly 2015 IVFD Fund Fair Continued from page 1

Itasca ISD and the Itasca Revitalization Committee The event started early in the morning with a deli- are once again part- cious breakfast cooked by the department, continued nering to honor our into lunch with a yummy barbeque brisket sandwich and veterans. All citizens the culinary part of the event ended with a very generous are invited to honor plate of barbeque ribs and/or brisket served with beans veterans in a program and potato held on November 11, salad. It was re- 2015 at the Special ported that the Events Center at citizens of Itasca Itasca ISD. The pro- and the sur- gram begins at 9:30 rounding area a.m. ate all of the pre- If you are a vet- pared food at eran or widow of a veteran, please let us know that you each meal. The are coming by calling Itasca High School, (254)-687-2922, bounce house, ball toss games, dunking booth and face painting for the Wall of Honor little ones was great, but it was the landing of the Care Flite helicopter landing in the vacant lot by the fire de- Itasca High School would like to ask for your assis- partment that was the big event of the morning. The tance in paying tribute to all our alumni who furthered children were allowed to board the helicopter and urged their education and have proven success in their field of to ask questions. study. The event was topped off with a free live band dance. We would like to ask for an 8x10 picture of those who Many Itascans have: 1. Graduated from a 4 year college/university, 2. and supporters served our country in any branch of the military, 3. from the sur- graduated/received specific certification from a trade or rounding areas vocational institution, all of which have enabled these in- enjoyed the dividuals to become a productive member of society. Jimmy Jones Alumni from these areas will be eligible to have their Band and the op- picture placed on our future “Wall of Honor”, planned portunity to visit for construction Spring 2016 within the halls of Itasca with their High. Please send photos that are 8x10 in size, and also neighbors. include the following information to be added on a place More informa- card adjoining the picture: 1. First and Last Name tion about the auction and the item donors was unavail- (Maiden-Married), 2. Year of Graduation, 3. College of able at press time. Any citizen who might be interested in attendance & Degree received (Cap & Gown Photo), or Military Branch & Rank (Uniform Photo), or Career & Technology/Vocational Specialization (Graduation Photo OPEN MIC/ and/or Uniform Photo) These submissions may be sent by the person being KARAOKE GOSPEL DINNER honored, or by others who wish to honor a fellow family The Community Church of member, friend, or Alum. Please send to 123 N. College St. Itasca, TX 76055, marked (Attn: Wall of Honor Pro- Itasca invites everyone in the ject). Please remember that this project will be a work in community to an "Open Mic/ progress and a completion date has not yet been set. We Karaoke Gospel Music Din- would like to thank everyone in advance for your help ner", Saturday October 17, and participation in creating a venue in which we can starting at 5:30 p.m. at the honor the Academic Excellence our Itasca High Alumni Itasca Depot and Museum Schedule church located at 109 N. Wall St, in Itasca, have achieved. October 17: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Texas. Come as you are and praise God with us by singing Gospel Karaoke, or just come and fellow- November 14: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ship and tap your feet while others sing. December 5: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will be Chili, Frito Pie, Hot Dogs, Chips, and Drinks served. The event is free and open to Page 5 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Wampus Cats lose First District Game Sport Editor Adam Youngblood District season has come around and the Itasca Wampus Cats gave a show to the home crowd. The game started with the Wampus Cats kicking off in the first. #15 Trent Ward, and #33 Everett Augustine were the first to the ball and tackled the Mart return man on the 40 yard line. While the boys got ready to defend the Panthers, the running back jolted into the middle with the ball in hand. Mart scored easily with the first seven points of the game. #32 Darius Lara began the first drive for the Wampus Cats as he was able to reach the 20 yard line on kickoff return. Lara carried once more and was unable to move the ball. #11 Ruben McCray was sacked in the backfield while attempting to throw a pass forcing the boys to turn the ball back over to the Panthers. The defense was unable to stop the Panthers from scoring again. During the drive #72 Jason Mcfatridge proved his skills as a defensive lineman and tackled the ball carrier on multiple occasions. #74 Rodney Gaut did the same throughout the game. "Short drives win" said Coach Auten at the half. With #3 Michaelas Caufield, #30 Demarcus Parkerson, and #32 Darius Lara carrying the ball in short drives, the boys were able to advance the ball more than they had in the first half. Unfortunately the Wam- pus Cats were unable to advance the ball all the way into the end zone and obtained no points. Late in the third quarter, Darius Lara began to feel the pain of his turf toe injury and was not able to bat- Locker Room Chat MS football Sport Editor Adam Youngblood You read about him in the football articles, you hear his October name in every game. Ruben McCray, a sophomore, is the 15 *Bosqueville Home 5pm(MS) Itasca Wampus Cat quar- terback. 22 *Axtell Away 5pm(MS) He wears the #11 jer- 29 *Valley Mills Away 5pm(MS) sey, McCray also plays in November the backfield as a safety 5 *Crawford Home 5pm(MS) for defense. Ruben is a part of the boy's basketball team as well as one of the guards wearing the #13. When he's not on the court or field, he practices his long jump skills for the track season. McCray loves the game and makes plays on multiple occa- Varsity Football sions. When he has the ball, Ruben will either October make a big pass play or weaves himself in and out 16 *Bosqueville Away 7:30pm of the defense. 23 *Axtell Home 7:30pm Multiple opposing coaches have complimented his skills 30 *Valley Mills Home (S) 7:30pm November 6 *Crawford Away 7:30pm (S) Senior Night * District Games Page 6 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Youngblood Receives National Honor

Press Release The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) an- nounced that student Christopher Adam Youngblood has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHHS Founder and Chair- man Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes. “On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Christopher has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Mr. Nobel. “Christopher is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.” “We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” stated NSHSS President James W. Lewis. “We aim to help students like Christopher build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help them prepare them for college and meaningful careers.” NSHSS members become lifetime members. At each step along the way – from high school to college to career – NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their pas- sions “I am so honored to be recognized by this organization,” Youngblood said. “This is a world renown organiza- Happy Birthday Adam!!!! Page 7 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Recent Deaths Mack Ellison - Mack Ellison, 86, of Itasca passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at his residence. Mack was born July 18, 1929 in Bois D’Arc to Robert and Stella (Parks) Ellison. He grew up in Hill County, where he was a lifelong farmer and rancher. He served his country in the United States Army. On May 27, 1953, Mack was united in marriage to Becky Wil- shire. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Itasca and past Worshipful Master and 60 year service award recipient with the Masons. He also served on the board of trustees for Itasca Bank. Mack was awarded the 1965 Outstanding Farmer of The Year award for Hill County, 2009 Community Service award from the City of Itasca, and was inducted into the 2015 Hill College Hall of Fame for playing on its football team from 1947-1948. Preceding him in death were his parents; twin brother, Joe P. Ellison; and two sisters, Ruth Ellison and Mary Thelma Poe. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Becky Ellison of Itasca; two sisters-in-law, JoAnn Ellison of Dallas and Yvonne Calhoun of Waxahachie; and many other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, October 9, 2015, at First Presbyterian Church in Itasca with Rev. Diane Bar-

Obstructions/ Protrusions of Public Community/IISD Streets and Sidewalks Holiday Events

With basketball season on the horizon **October 5-16 – Gatorade & Water Drive to Benefit the young people of Itasca began to IVFD (All IISD Schools) spend time shooting hoops and guard- **Friday, October 16 – National Bosses Day ing that basket. The City reminds eve- ** Saturday, October 31 – Halloween – “Trunk or ryone about City Ordinance #052305, Section 17-10, which deals with placing, Treat” at United Methodist Church, Central Baptist play equipment on public streets and and 1st Presbyterian Church sidewalks and in using such equipment **Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day Program – from these public areas. 9:30 a.m. Special Events Center – Honoring Those That The Ordinance reads: ‘It shall be Serve unlawful for any person or group of persons to place any objects upon any public street or **Friday, November 20 – IISD 12:00 Early Release public sidewalk in the city which obstructs the passage, **November 23-27 – IISD Thanksgiving Holiday interferes in the use, protrudes or extends over any **November 26-27 – Itasca City Hall Closed part of any public street of public sidewalk in the city. **Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Day This ordinance specifically includes, but is not lim- **Friday, December 4 – Community Appreciation ited to the construction, installation or position of a Luncheon for City Administrator Mark Gropp 11:00 basketball goal including pole, backboard, rim and netting where the same obstructs, interferes, protrudes a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or extends over any public part of a public street or **Thursday/Friday, December 17, 18 - IISD 12:00 public sidewalk, or where ordinary use and enjoyment Early Release of basketball goal results in persons obstructing or in- What Are You Doing? Time to Vote If your church, business or organization has an event scheduled for the 2015 Holiday Season, please get Early Voting – October 19 – 30 your information to the Paw Print Press as soon as pos- Hill County Courthouse – Hillsboro sible. The information can be brought to the high Election Day – Tuesday, November 3, 2015 school or e-mailed to [email protected]. Important Propositions on Ballot Page 8 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Let Us Remember...Communications

Column by Carl Sweeney Over the years it is interesting to see how methods of communications have developed. In certain primitive tribes, beating on a hollow log was used. The Native Americans used smoke signals. The telephone came into existence years ago. The old wooden crank phone was fastened to the wall. For years one had to give an operator the number we wanted. The first Itasca exchange was installed in 1902. Itasca went to self-dial in 1958 with an ID number of MU (68) for Murray. We had ten operators at that time. Our methods of communications have come a long way since then. Also, back then we never thought that the Buck Rogers stories would come to fruition, but now we have been to the moon and even sent a space ship to Mars. Now comes the cell phone and, of course, computers. We never dreamed that an instrument that we could carry in our pocket could do so many things. Our real story in this article is about a form of communication that most young people today have never heard of. It is the carrier pigeon. People have raised and used them for communication for years. The singer Ray Price was a pigeon fancier and kept pigeons un- til his death in 2013. During World War I, they transmitted messages by wire, but it was impractical to string wire everywhere. The British bird breeders provided the pigeons to the U.S. military to carry messages. There were also some carrier pigeons from the United States. When a com- mander could not send messages by wire, they resorted to the carrier pigeon. Our records indicate that during the Meuse-Argonne offensive that finally ended the war, 442 carrier pigeons were used to deliver messages to the Verdun area. The most renowned pigeon during World War I was named Cher Ami, which is French for Dear Friend. This pigeon was credited with delivering a dozen important messages to the front lines. The most important one was on October 4, 1918, when the US 77th Division was pinned down from artillery fire and a message delivered to the American Artillery caused them to shell the German lines thereby saving many American soldiers’ lives. Cher Ami, the pigeon was blinded in one eye, shot through the breastbone and suffered a severed leg from enemy fire. Cher Ami miraculously survived all the wounds. The French government awarded Cher Ami the Croix de Guerre with a palm leaf. The pigeon was sent to the United States after the Armistice was signed. Cher Ami died June 13, 1919. A taxidermist preserved the body and it is on display with the medal at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. (pictured right) Carrier pigeons were also used during World War II, especially in the Tunisia area. One of the favorite mes- senger pigeons there was called “Wisconsin Boy.” He made an important flight from Tebourba, Tunisia to its home loft in Beja. Wisconsin Boy, just 12 weeks old, flew 40 miles in 40 minutes and carried a message dated May 6, 1943 from a war correspondent with the 1st Infantry Division that stated that the enemy was evacuating Tebourba and moving toward Tunis. There was another pigeon they called “G.I. Joe” that made a flight that was credited with saving the lives of at least 150 British soldiers who were caught in a forward position in Cali Vecchia, Italy. G.I. Joe became the first American war pigeon to be deco- rated by the British Government. (Pictured left - War pigeon G.I. Joe mounted and on display at Fort Monmouth) A soldier in the area, Elroy “Red” Rausch, served in the Army Signal Corps was re- sponsible for the message pigeons in that area of Tunisia. After the war, he returned to his home in Conquon, Michigan, raised rabbits and pigeons and showed them at county fairs all over the Midwest. Here we have an abbreviated account of a very unique alternative method of communication. Page 9 October 9, 2015 Paw Print Press

Hair Cuts-Etc. Nolen’s Custom Gifts Walk-Ins only The Nolen Family Open (We have Moved!) Tuesday- Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 103 W. Main Saturday 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Itasca, TX

254-205-3184 Hwy. 171 Christina Osceola, TX Hannah Store Hours: Custom T-Shirts Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-4:30 PM Starting at $12.50 Sat. & Sun.: Appointment Only (For School) Mention this ad for your discount Picture Day November 19, 2015

Build a Babe

Clayton Kay Vaughan You’re invited to join us for our “Build a Babe” event. We are so excited to host this event for women who just need

some time away from all the stress of work, school, etc… Please feel free to invite your family and friends to this event with you. We will have Mary Kay facials with a full beauty bar open to try all new looks for the fall. We also will have It Works Wraps to help shave off inches on those unwanted Funeral Home & Cremation areas. So come and join the fun and meet new people. Get www.claytonkayvaughanfuneralhome.com those nails done in a flash with Jamberry nails. (254) 687-2371 Location- Lone Star Bar and Grill (back room) Hillsboro Tx House Cleaning Services Dates: October 17, 2015 November 14, 2015 Houses & Apartments Deep Cleaning - Move Out Cleaning After Party One Time New 4-H Year Begins Monthly, Biweekly or Weekly The Itasca 4-H will hold their meetings on the second Judith Contreras Sunday of every month at 3p.m. They will be meeting in the Curry Building, located right next to Janet's Beauty Monolithic Domes Hiring Barn. The address is 102 W Main Itasca. The dome business is booming and we need workers Any child in grades 3-12 can participate in 4-H. A for our construction crews. It will include travel, as few projects that a student in 4-H include, but are not most of our jobs are out of the area. The work is strenuous as dome building is hard limited to, photography, food and nutrition, archery, work. We offer decent pay and the opportunity for sewing, and livestock showing. If any of the previously overtime. mentioned projects interest you, or if you know of a pro- Please apply at 177 Dome Park Place, Italy, TX ject that you can participate in through 4-H that was 76651, or send your resume to the same address. If not mentioned, check out the first meeting and sign up for 4-H at www.4honline.com. Page 10 October 16, 2015 Paw Print Press Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

Great Truths About Life That Little Children Have Learned 1) No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats. 2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair. 3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They al- ways catch the second person. 4) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food. 5) You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. 6) Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. 7) The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandpa’s Paw Print Press Staff

Editor-in Chief – Jennifer Murray LLOYD FORD Business Manager & Sports Editor – AdamY- oungblood Now Hiring Full Time Reporters – Fathe Altum, Joanna Sparks, Caitlin Bruton, Josiah Sparks, Amy Fabas Cartoonist & Illustrator – Riley Pritchard Service / Lube Tech Cartoonist & Reporter– Darius Lara Publisher & Editor: Susie May Apply in person 1201 E Main St.