Paw Print Press Proudly Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997 Itasca, 76055 Vol. 2009 Issue #23 June 5, 2009 Community Hosts IISD Employee Appreciation Dinner

Itasca ISD employees and their spouses received a thank you and a pat on the back in the form of an appreciation dinner provided by the businesses and citizens of Itasca last Friday night at the Curry Building in downtown Itasca. Approximately ninety people enjoyed the delicious barbeque dinner provided by a citizens group spearheaded by the dinner’s chief cook, Vernon Markwardt (pictured right). Numerous individuals helped Markwardt at every step of the undertaking from collecting the funds to cooking and serving the meal. Markwardt began the project in early April with an open letter to the community printed in the Paw Print Press and circulated to downtown business. In the letter he said, “The community of Itasca is fortunate to have an excellent school system! The system has excelled at a time when many schools have failed. This is in large part due to the dedicated teachers and staff of this district. They have worked hard and continue to work hard, providing the best education they can for their students. The Itasca ISD has been recognized by Texas Education Agency as well as several national publications. These accomplishments were achieved by the dedication and hard work of the entire staff of Itasca ISD.” The district employees were most appreciative of the dinner and the community support that it represented. “We love working with our students at Itasca ISD and we know that the community and parents appreciate what we do,” one high school teacher said, “but the dinner and sentiment meant a lot to us especially after such a demanding year. Corbitt 2nd in Super Centex Victory Bowl State Editorial Football Game Writing June 13

Junior Devin Corbitt IHS graduate De’Veon earned a silver medal in Mayberry will join players from the Editorial Writing 200 Texas high schools to play in competition at the UIL the 1st Super Centex Victory Academic Meet in Austin Bowl on June 13 at Baylor last week. She advanced to University’s Floyd Casey state by placing 1st at the Stadium. Kickoff will be at 6:30 Regional competition in p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. April. De’Veon will wear #35 on the Red Team. See Victory Bowl Banquet on page 3 Page 2 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press Churches of Itasca Itasca Ministerial Alliance No meeting June, July or August 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, June 15, 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 June 8 & July 2 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 June 29 5:30 p.m. 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. FUMC of Itasca R.A.’s & G.A.’s (1st-6th) - Youth (7th-12th) 5:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Announces Dates for Tuesday - Ladies’ Bible Study 10:45-12:15 p.m. Vacation Bible School 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 CAMP E.D.G.E. Vacation Bible Kids’ Choir 7:00 p.m. website - itascacbc.org School 2009 takes your children to an extreme adventure camp where they Experience and First United Methodist Church Discover God Everywhere! CAMP E.D.G.E. VBS is Guaranteed no-nap Preaching, or double your doubt not your typical stroll through the woods. It's an back. Where Worship Is Joyous action-packed, adrenaline-filled expedition that Experience the energy of God’s promise in a beautiful, teaches kids their strengths that come from God. historic sanctuary. Through rockin’ contemporary music, larger-than-life Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 10:50 a.m. recreation games, and cool, challenging crafts, you'll show your Itasca Church of Christ kids how to live on the E.D.G.E. in their faith. More 200 N. Aquilla St. information coming soon! Are we taking a test without reading the book? CAMP E.D.G.E. July 6 – 10, 2009

That is exactly what many are doing when it comes to the Nursery Worker Needed Bible. They go by what they feel, think, or what others have told them, but have never read for themselves the complete First Presbyterian Church needs a responsible book. This is the most important test you will ever take! person to work in our nursery each Sunday Won't you join us at the Itasca church of Christ? morning and during occasional special services. We meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am for Bible classes Call 254-687-2243. and at 10:45 am for worship, and at 5:00 pm for worship. We also meet at 7:00 pm on Wednesday for Bible study. All First Presbyterian Church are welcome. Vacation Bible School 2009 First Presbyterian Church June 6 & 7 2:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

9:15 - 9:45 Fellowship Time in Barton Hall Registration will be held Saturday, June 6 beginning 9:45-10:30 Sunday School all Ages 10:50-Worship Service at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You can also register by calling the church at 254-687-2243 or by going online at Crossroads (Praise & Worship Band) - Sunday 6 p.m. www.fpcitasca.org. KFC (Kids For Christ) - Sunday 6:30 Fellowship Hall A meal is included along with arts and crafts, music Youth Fellowship grades 7-12 Sun. 6:30 - 3rd floor and of course lots of fun. Exercise Classes - Sr. Citizens Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m. Ladies Bible Studies Camp E.D.G.E. 2nd Monday morning & 3rd Thursday evening ea. month E(Experience) & D(Discover) G(God) E(Everywhere) Angel Food Ministry Host Site - 686-2243 www.fpcitasca.org Page 3 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press Mayberry Attends Super Centex Dr. Lane Dykes, GYN, Football Victory Bowl Banquet To Speak at Healthy

The Heart of Woman Event Texas’ Fellowship Press Release of Christian Ath- On Thursday, June 11, Healthy Woman, a letes held their in- free resource offered by Hill Regional Hospital, augural Victory will feature a program on Women’s Bladder Bowl Banquet on Health. Lane Dykes, M.D., Gynecologist at Sunday, April 5 at Family Diagnostic Medical Center will discuss Baylor University’s “Bladder, Is Yours in Control?” Ferrell Center. The free program will be held at the First Players, cheerleaders and coaches who will participate in the Presbyterian Church, 301 Old Brandon Road, game were honored. Representing IHS in the Victory Bowl foot- Hillsboro beginning at 6:00 p.m. with free re- ball game will be 2009 graduate De’Veon freshments provided by Park Plaza Nursing Mayberry. Family and friends attended the Home, Whitney. banquet with De’Veon to cheer him on as Because of bladder issues, are you concerned he was introduced and congratulated on his about going out in public, are you worried accomplishment on the field for the last 4 coughing and sneezing. Are you less sociable years. because of these or other concerns? De’Veon’s participation was made possi- Dr. Dykes will address problems, causes and ble by the many Itasca supporters and answer questions about bladder health. Bladder sponsors and their donations. health issues effect people of all ages, whether Quan Cosby was the guest speaker at the male, female and even athletes. He will discuss banquet. Born in Waco, he excelled in foot- evaluation, medical and surgical treatments for ball, , and track at Mart High School. Originally signing bladder control problems to play wide receiver for the University of Texas in Austin, Cosby Some interesting facts about those who suffer decided to sign with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to play from bladder and bowel incontinence are that it minor league baseball. He returned to Austin after his baseball affects 40% of community dwelling people, career ended, he established himself as one of the best wide re- both women and men. It affects pregnant ceivers in the country. His senior year he reached a personal ca- women, as well as postpartum women. 20% of reer high of 154 yards receiving in a single game against UTEP. children ages 5 years have some bladder incon- He has a career total of 168 receptions, 2,087 yards, and 12 re- tinence at nighttime. In 75% of nursing home ceiving touchdowns. He also caught the winning touchdown pass residents, incontinence is one of the primary in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl with only 16 seconds left in the game and reasons for a nursing home admits. The cost of was a member of the 2005 National Championship team. incontinence in 1999 was $260.7 million, one Joining Mayberry on the Red team are players from Wortham, can only imagine what that figure is today. Hubbard, Riesel, Mart, Axtell, Dawson, Frost, Troy, Clifton, Dr. Dykes will bring these and other insights Hico, Hamilton, Moody, Bruceville-Eddy, McGregor, Crawford, about Women’s Bladder Health and how it af- Gatesville, Hillsboro, Whitney, West, China Spring, Reicher, fects women physically and emotionally. Park Texas Christian, Harker Heights, Ellison, Shoemaker, Temple, Plaza Nursing Home staff will be present to Belton, Copperas Cove, Kopperl, Oglesby, Abbott, Bynum, provide information about their service and Aquilla, Blum, Covington, Penelope, Avalon, Coolidge, Central resources available to the community. Texas Christian, Parkview Christian and Bremond high schools. Reservations are necessary to this FREE The Red Team will be coached by Mark Bell (China Spring program and can be made by calling the HS), Mike Cadell (Axtell HS), Terry Crawford (Abbott HS), Dar- Healthy Woman office at Hill Regional Hospi- rell Selke () and Grady Rowe from tal, Becky Jones at 254-580-8887. If she is un- Troy HS. available, please leave your name to make your Wampus Cat fans are urged to attend the game on June 13 at reservation. Or you can go online to HillRe- Baylor University’s Floyd Casey Stadium. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. gionalHospital.com, click on Healthy Woman. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. De’Veon will wear Space is limited, so please make your reserva- #35 on the Red Team and he needs your support as he takes the tions no later than June 9. field. Page 4 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press Reneau – Jean Nuptials Patriotism: Where Are You? Editorialist Devin Corbitt

It seems as if every morning teachers have to force many students to stand up during the announcements for a moment of silence and the pledges. Most young people today have no idea that you should remove their hat during prayers and at the playing of the National An- them. It appears that the majority of people today no longer have any respect for their country. Where are our feelings of patriotism and our respect for our sol- diers and veterans? It is a shame that so many Americans seem to have lost their sense of love and loyalty to this country. These observations were particularly obvious on Memorial Day. This day has been set aside to remember and honor our veterans and fallen soldiers. However, it has turned into a day for getting off work, partying at the lake and leaving the “old Lindsey Suzanne Jean and Justin Bradley Re- folks” behind so younger people can have fun. This holiday, like neau were united in marriage Saturday, April many others, has been warped into something that it was not 25, 2009 at Paul Powell Chapel at Baylor Uni- meant to be. None of the activities now common to the date versity. A reception followed at Piper Great commemorates those who have served our country. Hall. A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the “We need a lot more Patriotism in our country,” eighth groom’s father and aunt and uncle at Ray- grader David Corbitt said, “and people need to stop bad- mond’s Southern Kitchen in Lorena. mouthing the troops. If those boys don’t have our support, they The bride is the daughter of Pam and Rex why should they even fight to ensure our liberty? We can begin Jean of Itasca, TX. She is the granddaughter of by thanking those who have already served our country, our Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Williams of Itasca, the late veterans.” Joyce Williams, and the late Alice and Buford This neglect and lack of Patriotism is even showing through in Jean. She is currently employed as an RN at our government. Our current administration is so concerned Providence Health Center. about being “politically correct” and pleasing other nations that The groom is the son of Brad Reneau of Lo- they have forgotten what it means to truly be an American. Our rena, Debbie Stuckey of Round Rock, and spe- flag stands for freedom, not bowing down to others. cial aunt and uncle Sandra and Steve Sims of Our own state public school system had the impudence to re- Lorena. He is the grandson of Doris Reneau and schedule the state UIL Academic Meet on Memorial Day, where the late Charley “C.D.” Reneau of Lorena, and students spend their time competing instead of being with their Rudy Sutherland and the late Wayne Sutherland families. What does this tell our youth about respect and Memo- of Waco. He is currently employed at the City of rial Day? Hewitt. Today, I see less and less respect for others, and more focus on The bride’s attendants included Matron of self. People would rather sit out on the lake than spend time Honor Lauri Kattner, Maid of Honor Emily talking to someone who knows the cost of freedom and was will- Maddox, Ashlee Hyde, Lindsey Wood, and Crys- ing to pay it. Instead of taking the time to thank our veterans, tal Reneau, sister of the groom. The groomsmen most young people are not even sure what a veteran is. Our vet- were Best Man Jody Buzbee, Chance Hendrix, erans – men and women whom we should respect and honor Kevin Black, cousin of the groom, Cole Sims, above all others are forgotten and many times have to fight the cousin of the groom and Jeffery Jean, brother of US Government for entitlements that are due them. the bride. Ring bearer was Jake Reneau- Young people (and yes, that includes those of you in your 20s Robinson, nephew of the groom. Serving as ush- and 30s) have never learned what it means to love their country ers were Billy Haigood and Terry Buzbee. The and appreciate those who secured our freedoms. We need to re- House party included Michelle Tompkins, Sonja member that it was our soldiers who fought under this flag; it Buzbee, and Amy Maddox. Music was provided was our soldiers who gave us the freedoms we have today; and it by the Grazioso String Quartet. After a honey- was our soldiers who fought and died so that we could even have moon to the Bahamas, the couple will reside in a peaceful day on the lake. They deserve our honor, our respect Hewitt. and most of all our thanks. They have earned it.

Page 5 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Pres Garden Club Outing IISD Library Summer Hours

The IISD library will be open to the public and for the “Let’s Go Wild For Reading” program on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 22 – July 29. Hours are 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Recently members of the Garden Club visited Laura's Students may check out 3 books for a two week Garden in Whitney to purchase spring and summer plants period of time. Each library record must be clear of for Veterans’ Memorial Park in downtown Itasca. The group lost or overdue books in order to check out addi- enjoyed lunch and visitation before returning. tional books. All books must be returned or paid for Members enjoying the outing were Judy Crumpacker, by Tuesday, July 28. Lisa Hill, Karen Buckner, Betty Sumner, Amy Castillo, Everyone must sign in and out when visiting the Charlene Wiginton, Maria Wood, Nita Redmon and not pic- library. Children younger than Grade 4 must be tured Angela Orr. with an adult. Students in grade 6 and under must Support check out books from the elementary area of the library. Habitat for Humanity of Hill County Only children in Grade 9 and above may use the Dine at IHOP in Hillsboro computers. Younger children must have a parent present to use the computers. A sign-in sheet must Wednesday Evenings be signed before using computers. The Computers 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Acceptable Use Policy must be followed. Misuse of computers will result in loss of library privileges for Come and Get It $$$$$$$ the remainder of the summer. All grade levels are based on the The Texas Comptroller's office has abandoned & un- 2008-2009 school year. claimed property reported by businesses and financial insti- Food, drinks, gum and electronic tutions. Itascans claim your money! - devices are not allowed in the library. http://www.window.state.tx.us/up search and print the claim The library is a quiet place. Disre- form. (# of times listed) spectful or disruptive students will be told to leave and will not be allowed Charlie Gatewood R H Gatlin (2X) Mark Gropp to enter the library for the remainder Mike Grisham (7X) H H Food Mart Handy Inc of the summer. H H Food Mart Clay Hamilton Henry Handy Robert R Hamilton E M Hanver H E Harmon “Let’s Go Wild Reading” John Harmon Charles Harris Robert D Hay 2009 Summer Reading Program James Harris Jr Richard C Hartnett Stan M Hartnett (6X) Toni Hayward Elaine Heald June 22 – July 29 th Tonya Heath Frank Hernandez Edna Huse 6 Months – 4 Grade John Hewell (3X) Timothy L Hernandez *All children up to 6 years of age must be accompa- Leticia Hinojosa Gloria Den Hewitt Wendy Hunter nied by an adult Edna E Holland Charles Hinson Willie Howard Marvin C Hill (2X) William B Holland 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. -6 months – 5 years old Randy E Holmes Pat A Huegerich 9:30 – 12:00 – 6 years old – 4th grade Lucy M/Robert W Hughs

Page 6 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press IISD Board of Trustee April Meetings Regular April 13 Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the Itasca Independent School District met in regular session on April 13, 2009, in the IISD Library at 7:00 p.m. Trustees present were President Susan Bason, Vice President Oscar Castillo, Jr., Secre- tary Angelia Orr, Marquita Lloyd, Nancy Bowman, Kevin Cordell and Brian Bassett. Administrators present were Superintendent Glenn Pittman, Principals Rickie Harris and Karon Farquhar, Business Manager Kim Eaddy and Secretary Norma Merkel. Visitors present were Dr. Steve Johnson, Cindy Michaels, Barbara Petrash and Courtney Watkins. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Susan Bason. Motions were made and passed to ap- prove minutes from the March 9, 2009, March 23, 2009 Special Called Meeting and March 23, 2009 Workshop. Mo- tions were made and passed to postpone the financial report until the April 27, 2009 meeting and to accept the pro- posal submitted by Equus Computer Systems for the purchase 128 computer systems for the district. A motion passed to approve the resolution extending the bank depository contract with Citizens State Bank for 2009-2011. Oscar Castillo abstained for this vote. The Board approved the 2009-2010 district calendar unanimously. Superintendent Pittman discussed the plans and topics he will address at the meeting on April 14, 2009 with the Texas Education Agency. The district had monitors from TEA and ESC Region 12 during the TAKS testing and no major findings were reported. The board entered executive session at 7:49 p.m. and reconvened into open session at 7:56 p.m. A motion was made to approve Rochelle Grisham and Samantha Willman to the substitute teacher list. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

April 27 Called Session

The Board of Trustees of the Itasca Independent School District met in called session on Monday, April 27, 2009, in the Itasca ISD Library at 7:00 p.m. Trustees present were President Susan Bason, Vice President Oscar Castillo, Jr., Secretary Angelia Orr, Marquita Lloyd, Nancy Bowman, Kevin Cordell and Brian Bassett. Administrators pre- sent were Superintendent Glenn Pittman, Business Manager Kim Eaddy and Secretary Norma Merkel. Visitors pre- sent were Dr. Steve Johnson, Cindy Michaels, Barbara Petrash Felicia Coleman and Luz Cadena. President Bason welcomed all visitors to the meeting. Barbara Petrash addressed the board regarding the athletic director and coaches. She commended them for all the work they have done. A motion was made and passed to approve the financial report. The board reviewed the district’s quarterly in- vestment report. Superintendent Pittman advised the board he planned to present the 2009-2010 district plans at the May 11 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.

April 27 (2nd Monthly Meeting-Workshop)

The Board of Trustees of the Itasca Independent School District met in called session on Monday, April 27, 2009, in the Itasca ISD Library at 7:00 p.m. Trustees present were President Susan Bason, Vice President Oscar Castillo, Jr., Secretary Angelia Orr, Marquita Lloyd, Nancy Bowman, Kevin Cordell and Brian Bassett. Administrators pre- sent were Superintendent Glenn Pittman, Business Manager Kim Eaddy and Secretary Norma Merkel. Visitors pre- sent were Dr. Steve Johnson, Cindy Michaels, Barbara Petrash Felicia Coleman and Luz Cadena. The meeting was called to order at 7:11 p.m. Luz Cadena presented the findings to the board of the TASB salary study. Superintendent Pittman reported to the board regarding the meeting on April 14 in Austin. He discussed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds available, allowable expenses and the district’s considera- tion of expenditures. He presented the second reading of TASB policy review. The board and superintendent reviewed district purchasing procedures, hiring procedures and personnel hand- book. Cindy Michaels presented an update on the special education program. Superintendent Pittman addressed district progress towards compliance. The board workshop in June will be on June 29. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm.

Page 7 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press Itasca City Council April Meeting

The Itasca City Council met in a regular session on Monday, April 20, 2009 in the Council Chambers, 136 N. Hill St., Itasca, Texas. Mayor Matthew Fehnel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were Steve Solis, Susie Davis, Mayor ProTem James Bouldin and John Laird. City Administrator Mark Gropp and City Attorney Stephanie Johnson were also present. The minutes for the March 9, 2009 and March 16, 2009 meetings were approved as presented. The bills were ap- proved for payment. Police Chief John Griscavage and City Administrator Mark Gropp gave a report updating the Council on the activities of the Fire Department. It was explained that the City Secretary is balancing the books, the Fire Chief resigned, and there has not been any missed calls. Wayne Upchurch reported on the Water and Sewer Operations stating that a new sub controller was put on in March at the Mill Block well. He then explained that the clarifiers are finished being built for the wastewater treat- ment plant but it has been too muddy to install them, waiting for the ground to dry up. Bettye Lewis gave the Planning and Zoning Committee report and Police Chief John Griscavage reported on the activities of the Police Department for the month of March 2009. The City Attorney went over revisions to Chapter 11, Junk Vehicle Ordinance for the Council to review and con- sider. The Council agreed to review and bring back for next month meeting to vote. The next agenda item was to re- view and consider revisions for Chapter 12, Nuisance Ordinance. The City Attorney explained she did not have time to draft the revised ordinance and it will be put back on the agenda for next month. Qualification of Office for election candidates were reviewed and considered. The City Attorney talked about the suggestion that was made at the last meeting regarding a candidate must have taxes paid. She recommended just go by what the State recommends and not make any changes. The 2009 Consumer Price Index Adjustment to Municipal Telecommunications Right-of-Way Access Line rates were discussed and considered. If the city does not respond the rates will automatically increase by 2.07%, no action to do that. The Council agreed not to respond. Candidates were considered for the appointment to fill the vacate seat until 2010 of the City Council. The Council agreed to put on as an agenda item for the next month meeting to approve the appointment of a candidate. The meeting was open for general Mayor, Council and City Administrator discussion and reports. There was a discussion regarding Antique Alley coming to Itasca. A suggestion was made to have someone come to the council meeting next month to discuss Antique Alley extending to Itasca. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. Itasca PD April Report Itasca Volunteer Fire April Report

Arrests Cases Filed Type City County 1 Felony 2 County Attorney 5 Misdemeanor 2 Juvenile Court Assists EMS 11 3 2 Juvenile Grass/Brush Fire 1 1 Other Agency Haz-Mat 1 12 MVC 4 Total calls for service – 100 Utility Emergency 2 $6,996.06 forfeited to Itasca PD Vehicle Fire 3 (Sale of 2001 Ford Jayco Motor Home) Weather watch 1 Traffic Citations Total 15 12 565 – Moving 162-Non-moving 65 Warnings Total calls 27 Total calls YTD 123 Class “C” Citations Total man hours – 74 hours 52 mins. 4 Assault 1 Minor in possession 1 Disorderly conduct 8 Open container Total members - 21 Gallons of Water used 2,700 7 Possession of drug paraphernalia Mutual Aid Given Covington FD – 1 City Ordinances Mutual Aid Received 2 Loud Music 1 Littering Covington FD – 4 Hillsboro FD – 1 1 Alcohol in Public Place Missed Calls - 0 Page 8 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press St. John’s Youth AP Looking for Summer Activities for YOUTH RALLY You & Your Child? Press Release JUNE 13, 2009 Are you looking for a program for your child to 10am - ? at Crouch Park keep them off the couch and not playing video games Come join the fun! all day. Well we have the answer. Classes for the Free hotdogs & drinks for everyone! Hillsboro Unified Tae Kwon Do School-125 W Elm- Hillsboro will begin the week of June 8. Classes are , , & prizes! taught each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and All youth & adults welcome Thursday at 4:45, 5:45, and 6:45 p.m. for students 7 Come on out & have some fun! and above. Classes for Turtle Cadets (4, 5 and 6 year olds) are taught each Monday and Wednesday from Yard Sale 4:00 until 4:40 p.m. If you are looking for a great way for your child 507 E. Monroe Itasca and yourself to exercise, lose some weight, have lots A Variety of “Good Stuff!” of fun, work on memory skills, focus, discipline, self- control, awareness and the ability to set goals and Saturday, June 6 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. keep them call 582-5111 for a free informational bro- Sunday, June 7 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. chure and check out our web-site www.hillsborotkd. Summer classes are forming. The first two classes Homecoming 2009 are free and parents are always welcome. A free in- troductory class will be held on Friday, June 5 at October 16, 2009 7:30 at 125 W Elm then regular classes will begin Itasca Wampus Cats vs Monday June 8 at 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. Dawson Bulldogs First Presbyterian Church Garage Democrats of Hill County Sale for Habitat for Humanity of June Meeting Hill County Press Release Press Release Democrats of Hill County hold monthly meetings on the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro is having a 2nd Monday of each month. The next meeting will be held at Garage Sale on Saturday, June 13 from 8am until 6 p.m., June 8, 2009 in the downstairs lecture room of Hill 3pm. Proceeds from the sale will be going to Habitat College Library. Meetings will be held in the downstairs for Humanity of Hill County. Habitat for Humanity lecture room of Hill College Library until classes resume is a non-profit, Christian organization that is helping for the Fall semester. Hill County citizens build modest, affordable housing with zero interest loans. The sale will feature collecti- Help Revitalize Lawless Park bles, furniture, antiques, and household goods. They Downtown Itasca Behind City Hall will not have clothes. If you have any items that you Saturday, June 13 (new date) 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. would like to donate for the garage sale, please bring them to the back of the First Presbyterian Church on Silent Auction – Hog Dog Lunch $3 Brandon Road between 8 am and 3 pm on Wed. and Lots of Fun Activities Thurs from 1pm to 3pm. Items should be clean and The City of Itasca EDC is raising money to buy new usable. If you need assistance with getting larger playground equipment, picnic tables, and other additions to items delivered you may call David Teel at 582- 3070. Lawless Park. No sales will be made before 8:00am on Saturday Support Our City and help give our children a safe place the 13. Habitat for Humanity of Hill County and to play and the community a beautiful park. First Presbyterian Church appreciate your participa- Donations can be made at Citizens State Bank to the City tion. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Itasca EDC fundraiser account. call 254-580-8330 or website www.hfhhillcounty.org Apartments for rent 2-bedrooms For Rent -305 N Files St. 254-687-2709 Sectioned 8 Welcome Two bedroom, one bath home – Central heat Itasca, Texas 76055 Room air conditioners, No Indoor Pets Contact 254-687-2800 Rent $500 - Deposit $400 No Smoking - Itasca Page 9 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press Do You Remember...?–“Mountain Tragedy” Columnist Carl Sweeney The story of the murder of the Sames brothers has been published several times in the past. The first time was around 1900 in a book of Hill County by A. Y. Kirkpatrick. Later in Ellis Bailey’s book, and in newspapers, including The Itasca Item. We would like to tell the story again for the benefit of the people who have moved into our com- munity and those who were not born at the time of the last publication of the story. J. L. Sames (pronounced “Sams”) and sons bought 150 acres of land on the mountain, about three miles southeast of Itasca before 1880. There were three sons, Thomas and Wilson, and a younger son whose name we do not have. A house was built for J. L. and his family, and later when Thomas married they decided to build a house for him and his wife, Vina. On Monday, March 1, 1881 Thomas and William along with a friend, Bud Kirkpatrick hitched up two wagons and mule teams and headed for Dallas to purchase lumber and supplies for the house. They spent the night in Cedar Hill and went into Dallas the next day for the lumber. On the way home before daylight the next morning they left Cedar Hill for home. It was about dusk when they arrived in the vicinity of home. As they neared Bud Kirkpatrick’s family home, they heard fiddle music. William wanted to stop there for the dance, so they hitched both wagons to- gether and Thomas headed the rest of the way home, which was about two miles. The weather had cleared and there was a full moon making the going easy. When Thomas arrived at the place where the house was being built there was a group of four men and a herd of horses there. They were feeding the herd of horses from a barn and corn crib the boys had built earlier, and had stocked it with corn from their fields. The next morning when Thomas and William had not came home, the younger brother went to the barn and came upon a scene of horror; both his brothers were dead. Details of the event came out later when one of the hired drivers told the story. He and the other hired hand did not participate in the murders. A group of men had backtracked the horse herd by way of Woodbury and into Bosque County. They learned from the ranch where the horses were pur- chased, a description of each horse and the names of the two men who pur- chased them. There was a man named Sullivan and one named Brown. They were tracked to a placed they owned in Ellis County. When Thomas came upon the group raiding his corncrib, he confronted them. Sullivan and Brown tortured and mutilated him; some of the things should not be printed here. One of the gruesome things was, they cut out his tongue and stuffed hay into his mouth and later shot him. William had left the dance and was on his way home when he heard the shot. He started running toward the barn and was shot in the heart when he came near. Brown and Sullivan did not mutilate William, but just left him where he fell. Needless to say, the younger Sames brother was devastated. It was a while before he composed himself enough to run back home with the news. When the father, J. L. Sames heard about it he had a stroke and was help- less for two years afterward. After Brown and Sullivan were traced to Ellis County, they were arrested. Sullivan was convicted and sentenced to jail. It was surprising that he was not hung. Later, a lawyer found a flaw in the indictment and he was set free. Brown escaped before he was tried, and later was located in Palo Pinto County and was killed while resisting arrest. Sullivan was seen in the Rockwall area later, then disappeared and was not seen or heard from again. Soon after that the Sames Family sold out and moved away. The place was sold to Ellis Bailey’s grandfather J. L. Bailey and R. K. Bailey, father of Ralph Bailey. Ralph Bailey was born in the J. L. Sames house. Thomas and William Sames are buried in the Rockwall Cemetery in a double grave. The stone is a double stone with clasped hands and each boy’s name is on the stone. ***It reads William Thomas A. Son of Son of J. L. & N. J. M. Sames Born Born Aug. 8, 1860 Sep. 25, 1854 Died Died Mar. 4, 1881 Mar. 4, 1881 Page 10 June 5, 2009 Paw Print Press Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

IHS Grads Proudly Display ARC Red Cords

Twenty units of blood were collected on Friday, May 15, 2007 at Itasca High School American Red Cross Blood Drive (donors pictured below). This was the second blood drive of the year. In October 2008, 31 units of blood were collected. In all, 153 lives were saved with IHS donations. Itasca High School Student Council has been sponsoring blood drives for the last 4 years. This year American Red Cross initiated a program for graduating seniors who have do- nated twice to receive a red cord to wear at graduation. Itasca High School was fortunate to have 11 seniors who had donated 2 times (pictured right). Be sure to watch the Paw Print Press for fall dates of IHS ARC blood drive.