HAPPY NEW YEAR Welcome 2021!

Vol. 111 No. 13 | Thursday, December 31, 2020 | www.TheTexasSpur.com | ONE DOLLAR

JAYTON PLAYERS EASTER ACROSS TEXAS BARBARA BRANNON | THE TEXAS SPUR EARN SUPER SPUR COUNTRY THE YEAR IN REVIEW TEAM HONORS PAGE 6 PAGE 5 2020 in our rear-view mirror:

Vol. 110 No. 26 | Thursday, April 9, 2020 | www.TheTexasSpur.com | ONE DOLLAR The dozen stories that mattered in the past 12 months KAY ELLINGTON | THE TEXAS SPUR

Churches across Tex- as Spur Country are using emerging technologies—and REGIONAL COVID-19 CASES ow, this isn’t really the way we expected 2020 Vasquez and other Spur City Council fended off challengers, after creativity—during the ongoing Confirmed by TSHS pandemic to help share their Sunday sermons, connect with as of press time to turn out, was it? Sure, we knew it would be a conten- five candidates filed for council places in February. The City of Spur congregants, and serve their communities. And one local house of wor- tious election year; we prepared to celebrate the 100th also appointed a new municipal court judge, Jan Matthews. In Kent ship is certainly thinking out- side of the box—as in the four W walls of the church. First Baptist Church of Spur anniversary of women’s right to vote; we anticipated filling out Census County, Katie Lackey unseated county attorney Bill Ballard. will hold a special day of Easter services at the Little League field in Swenson Park on Sunday, forms. We looked forward to a year of great vision. April 12, 2020, at 10 a.m. The sprawling diamond, outfield, and bleachers provide the ideal What we got was, well, a bit different. The entire world was environment for social distanc- ing during the services. Spur Hardware, other enterprises Fellowship in center field “We have a flatbed that knocked on its heels, right down to the nation, and state, and city we’ll be setting up by the score- COVID-19 BULLETIN AS OF APRIL 7 board,” said Pastor Rory Mosley, “and the service will be like our Small counties get cases level . . . not to mention our individual households. boost area retail economy regular services. We’ll have our The Texas Spur will use this space weekly to update readers instruments and music.” The Little League field on Covid-19–related developments, such as cases, test results, People close to us lost their health to Covid-19. We lost loved ones, The local business beat began with a bang Jan. 1, when proves to be a great location outcomes, and civil declarations and orders. for an outdoor religious ser- We will also highlight changes to event schedules, as vice, with electricity, restrooms, we compile verified information from a variety of sources jobs, time in the classroom. We lost longtime Texas Spur publisher Joe Spur’s Chastain Hardware became Spur Hardware under plenty of parking for those wish- throughout Texas Spur Country. ing to remain in their cars, and an abundance of shade trees for First case reported in Dickens County those who desire to sit outside Harrison and his wife, Jo Ann Harrison; Texas Parks & Wildlife staffer the ownership of the Rutledge family; the retailer held a in lawn chairs (social distance According to Dickens County Judge Kevin Brendle, the first case of COVID-19 in Dickens County has been confirmed. observed, of course). 3 “We welcome anyone who Texas Department of State Health Services contacted the Brandon White; auto dealer Robert Hall; 6666 Ranch proprietor Anne grand opening in May and continued expansion throughout a chal- would like to bring a pop-up Dickens County Judge at 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 to tent for shade, and we do re- confirm the case. That agency will conduct an investigation into the case, including the source of exposure of the patient THE TEXAS SPUR mind people that a jacket is al- Windfohr Marion; high school football player Rue McNiel, to name lenging year. Other new area enterprises included Retro Diesel and and contact tracing of individuals who were in close contact See FBC, page 3 with the person and will issue protocols for affected persons and those considered high risk due to exposure. The patient is employed by Dickens County and serves only a few who passed from our midst from various causes. We lost Tire in Dickens, The Sparrow’s Nest and Jaybird Storage in Jayton, Area banks examining PPP small business assistance program in the Courthouse Annex. Fortunately, since the Governor's initial social distancing order issued on March 19, elected KAY ELLINGTON | THE TEXAS SPUR officials stationed in the Courthouse Annex have generally West Texas music legend Mac Davis. and Diversions Arcade in Spur. The Spur Veterinary Clinic also Days after the nationwide well as nationally, the money is lender for 13 years, according EIDL (Economic Injury Disas- not been receiving members of the public into the offices -oc launch of the Small Business still largely not going out to the to president Elaine Key. ter Loan), and with no bank cupied by service providers. Given the transmission routes Administration’s rollout of businesses that need it. Kent County State Bank involved, small businesses can which medical experts have indicated for this disease, these And what did we gain? If we’re lucky, perspective and foresight. gained new owners in January. The proposed sale of Spur Security the Paycheck Protection Pro- One of the biggest issues is another non-participant, apply for that directly online. preventative protocols have undoubtedly safeguarded those gram, the Covid-19 assistance small business owners have lacking any platform to deliver Local banks recognize the who have conducted business in the annex. program for small businesses, been encountering is that, ini- the PPP program, according to barriers this situation may pose Since the patient reported potential exposure to the dis- there are still delays in the tially at least, the loans could branch manager Amanda Mc- to the small businesses they ease last Wednesday, the affected spaces in the Annex have Appreciation for those we’ve had to distance from. And a chance to Bank was announced in January; Spur’s Dixie Dog changed man- guidance that lenders use in be processed only through Gee. However, McGee reminds been sanitized and service providers have self-isolated to the considering whether, and how, Small Business Administra- readers, the SBA also has the See BANKS, page 8 best extent possible. to implement the loan applica- tion–authorized lending insti- According to the judge, moving forward, only essential start again as a new year approaches. agement in August, and in September a fire put Duck Creek Wild tion program. And locally as tutions. These included various services will be provided until further notice. offices of many large national banks, but relatively few small- Let’s take the waning hours of December to look back before we Game out of commission. The Texas Spur was pleased to share word er banks. Spur Security Bank, for instance, has not been an SBA say, Hey, 2020, don’t let the door hitcha on the way out. of their rebuilding and recovery throughout the fall deer season.

Submit your community announcements (maximum 75 words) to news@ thetexasspur.com for events within the coming month, to run up to 4 issues.

DRIVE THE DRAG in Spur Saturday, April 11, at 7 p.m. Show off your classic wheels, big trucks, and other favorite rides along Burlington Avenue while your neighbors watch from social-distance lawn chairs or shop fronts. Bring your own refreshments and enjoy some fresh air! Sponsored by the Spur Coronavirus disease spreads to Springer springs to state Senate Area Chamber of Commerce.

COURTESY PHOTO GOOD FRIDAY CLOSURE City Hall in Spur will be closed Good Friday, April 10, 2020. In August, state senator Pat Fallon’s resignation from RAISING THE ROOF Spur Hardware’s new Outdoor Living Center takes shape across 5th Street from the main retail store. Owners EASTER HOURS Dollar General in Spur will close at 5 p.m. on Easter Sunday, every corner of life and work LOCAL LENDERS Among the 57,666 SBA-approved lenders in the U.S., only a Jeromy and D’Laine Rutledge expect the project to be ready for April 12, 2020. Texas Senate District 30 to pursue a bid for a seat in handful in Texas Spur Country are set up to assist applicants for the Paycheck plant and garden merchandise in April. Protection Program. EASTER CLOSURE Lawrence Brothers in Spur will be closed on Easter Sunday. One year ago today, on December 31, 2019, according to Congress opened the door for Rep. Drew Springer, who the World Health Organization, “Chinese health officials 4 since 2012 has served Texas House District 68, including Dickens reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness in TEXAS SPUR ART 1 and Kent Counties, to toss his hat in the ring. Things got more persons associated with the Hunan seafood and animal market in PANDEMIC PAGES From mid-March onward, issues of The Texas Spur, tangled when Springer made his way into a runof for the Senate the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, in central China.” like other media worldwide, were dominated by the battle against the seat against Dallas upstart Shelley Luther while remaining on the The Texas Spur jumped in with its first localized story on March coronavirus disease, Covid-19. On April 9, 2020, our first Regional Cases ballot for reelection to his house seat. The outcome, so far: Springer 19, when schools and local governments were forced to make dif- bulletin appeared; it continues—belows— as a weekly page-1 feature. brushed off his opponent Dec. 19, and the governor announced the ficult decisions about operations and public health. For the next special election to replace Springer will be held January 23. Given nine months the Covid-19 virus touched almost every aspect of news CHANGES COMING TO OUR COVID-19 BULLETIN the long-ranging repercussions of breaking in a new legislator in our area, from workplace to worship, athletics, public events Starting next week, The Texas Spur will revise its weekly during a redistricting year, we pegged this story as one of the most and performances, weddings and reunions, to the availability of map to indicate active, rather than all-time total, Covid-19 cases important of 2020 for our readers. necessities like toilet paper. in our region. We’ll continue to provide statistics on total new, Starting on April 9, when it first became evident that Covid-19 recovered, and all cases by county in the columns below the cases were appearing in nearby rural counties, The Texas Spur K-9 Dodger joins Spur police force map, as well as the statewide totals. introduced a weekly map graphic showing total cases and other In March, the Spur Police Department’s drug interdic- relevant health department statistics. West Texas counties flipped tion K-9 unit, a pit bull named Dodger, was sworn in for from white to red as positive tests were reported throughout the 5duty under the direction of Lt. Eric Keeton—and zeroed in year, until no place was unaffected. on a cache of illegal drugs hours later. Along with introducing its REGIONAL COVID-19 CASES Our headlines chronicled waves of confusion, controversy, new canine asset, the department crafted a first-ever procedures Total cases reported to date; collaboration, and sometimes hope that marked the ongoing pan- manual and named its first chaplain this year. Texas Spur readers confirmed by TSHS as of demic. Spur’s first-ever health fair was set for Apr. 22 only to be benefit from the transparency of the department’s weekly Police press time cancelled the following week. Covid prompted the delay of the IRS Report as well. April 15 tax filing deadline. The CARES act and the Paycheck Protec- tion Program promised benefits and delivered a few much-needed dollars. Easter church services were held via drive-up. Schools and City of Spur has a change in staffing Spur city secretary Laura Adams announced plans on restaurants closed, cleaned, quarantined, reopened. Graduation April 30 to step down by summer’s end, and Barbie Nor- ceremonies took place on football fields or TV screens. Spur’s Big man was hired for the post during a challenging time for Dog BBQ Cook-off proceeded with rigid Covid protocols. The Kent 6 local governments. It has fallen to Norman to follow up on securing County swimming pool opened for residents only; the Spur softball bids for 2019’s grant-funded water and sewer improvements as well tourney went ahead even as other summer events were cancelled, as applying for two further community development block grants including Fourth of July fireworks and parades. Facial masks caught and managing elections–all during a pandemic. on more widely once school returned, though extracurricular events were on again, off again. Spur School’s scaled-back homecoming festivities celebrated “A Year Like No Other.” The lobbies of busi- Jayton’s Methodist Church destroyed nesses like Cap Rock Telephone, Spur Security Bank and Kent “Our church is on fire!” reported church member Bert County State Bank remained closed to the public for much of the Stanaland on the icy morning of Jan. 17. The 1936 building year. CARES hazard pay, by year’s end, funded an increase for Kent 7had been set ablaze by a damaged electrical wire, and was County Nursing Home employees, and vaccines rolled out for those declared a total loss despite quick action by Kent County respond- most at risk during the final days of this month. And through it all, ers and a lack of personal injuries. Church members, who have we’ve published far too many obituaries. met in borrowed facilties since then, are seeking to demolish COVID-19 BULLETIN AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2020 Incumbents keep seats in Dickens; the ruins. STATEWIDE AND REGION CASE COUNTS Cases reported 1,476, 674 newcomers voted into office in Kent During an election timeline that stretched from March’s COURTESY PHOTO Fatalities 26,472 Recovered (estimated) 1,346,963 Super Tuesday primaries to a noisy national election and CHURCH ABLAZE A downed Active cases in Texas 279,831 delayed local races in November, incumbents in Dickens power line sparked the Jan. 17, 2 2020, fire that destroyed Jayton’s County were reelected (Dennis Wyatt defeated challenger Mack First United Methodist Church. Gardner for his seat on the Dickens County Commission; Laidy Total cases Recovered New cases since last week Active EST. See REVIEW, page 6 Cottle 97 133 5 6 THE TEXAS SPUR Crosby 214 269 13 39 BRUSH TRUCK 816 MAKES DEBUT In a Dec. 26 brush fire south of Dickens 81 99 4 9 Spur, retiring fire chief Rick Pashcall piloted the Spur Volunteer Fire Donley 126 209 2 13 Department’s new brush truck, delivered earlier in the month, in successfully containing the blaze with 3 other units. STORY, PAGE 6 Floyd 234 427 10 69 Garza 179 209 3 26 Submit your community announcements (maximum 75 words) to news@ Hale 4,953 4,600 112 248 thetexasspur.com for events within the coming month, to run up to 4 issues. Kent 29 54 1 0 SPUR SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER will be closed Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, and will not King 2 4 0 2 be serving meals that day. Lubbock 40,929 37,000 2039 3,405 WHITE RIVER MARINA will reopen for the weekend on Jan. 2 and 3. They remain Motley 28 47 0 18 closed Monday through Friday for now. Randall 13,507 10748 299 2583 KENT COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Jan. Scurry 1,891 1,530 79 97 15–16, 20201, at the County Show Barn in Clairemont. Those interested in supporting the event may call (806) 237-3751. Stonewall 38 62 3 13 DICKENS COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Jan. Source: Texas State Department of Health Services | 12/28/2020 22–23, 20201, at the Exhibition Barn in Spur’s Swenson Park. Those interested in supporting the event may call (806) 445-3382.

2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 | THE TEXAS SPUR COMMUNITY & COMMENTARY TheTexasSpur.com

2020 Community Calendar Holiday Schedules JAYTON-GIRARD ISD Christmas break continues through Wed., Jan. 6, 2021. PATTON SPRINGS ISD Christmas break continues through Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. SPUR ISD Christmas break continues through Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Vol. 111, No. 13 New Year’s Resolutions for the area The following businesses and public offices have announced their holiday (USPS 541-640) schedules: Peridodicals postage paid at Spur, Texas. As one year ends and an- that’s a far trek for a treadmill. prospects might be even more KENT COUNTY STATE BANK, JAYTON Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. The Texas Spur is published weekly. other begins, the calm of school But many would probably be dismal now until widespread SPUR SECURITY BANK, SPUR Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. CITY OF JAYTON Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. POSTMASTER Send address changes to holidays and abbreviated work open to working out there, if the vaccinations occur. But they CITY OF SPUR Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. The Texas Spur, P. O. Box 430, Spur, TX 79370 weeks give us the pause and hospital districtprovided regu- don’t have to be. perspective to contemplate lar transportation to the fitness Last year the Spur Area DICKENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. PUBLISHER Kay Ellington what can be possible with a center. Might that be possibility Chamber of Commerce began KENT COUNTY COURTHOUSE Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 except for new county officer swearing-in, 10:00 a.m. [email protected] fresh start. worth pursuing? bingo nights in the wintertime U.S. POST OFFICE Closed New Year's Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. EDITOR Barbara Brannon Just as many of us are si- Closer to home, is there and continued them with social [email protected] lently pledging to be healthier, interest in scheduled walk- distancing and when needed, Community Services BUSINESS [email protected] more responsible about finan- ing groups or biking groups? with masks to stay safe in SPUR VISITOR CENTER at 101 Hill Street at Burlington Avenue is operated by the (806) 271-3381 cial matters and to somehow We’ll be posting on The Texas recent months. Those will con- Spur Area Chamber of Commerce. Vistiors seeking information on the area Please send announcements, either enrich or entertain our- Spur Facebook page to gauge tinue in the new year. may email [email protected] or call (806) 474-5757 calendar events, and news items to THE SPUR AREA FOOD BANK serves families throughout Dickens County. The Food [email protected]. selves—once Covid-19 is under interest. Are there other activities, Bank is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating off private donations and Display ads, classifieds, legal control—what would happen Are there any newcomers to in addition to bingo, that the welcomes donations to this community work. Donations are tax-deductible notices and obituaries should be if communities made the same the area who have led exercise Chamber might sponsor? and are accepted directly into the Food Bank’s account at Spur Security Bank or submitted to their respective commitments? groups in yoga, tai chi, Zumba The Spur-Dickens Library at 612 Burlington Ave. The Spur Area Food Kitchen Inc. does not discriminate email address: How can Dickens and Kent or Jazzercise? We’ll be survey- offers Craft Nights once a month due to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. [email protected] THE KENT COUNTY LIBRARY, 156 W. 4th St., Jayton, is open for patron services Monday– [email protected] Counties get healthier? The par- ing that on our Facebook page and is open late on those nights. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. via call-ahead service. Staff will bring requested [email protected] and ent hospital company for our lo- as well. We’d love to hear your ideas materials out to patron’s cars. Library patrons may also check out e-books and [email protected] cal clinics, Stonewall Memorial January and February about how we can make our audiobooks on the Libby app for free with their library card. For information Information may be call (806) 237-3287 or “like” Kent County Library on Facebook. dropped off locally at Hospital, has opened a fitness tended to be long, cold and communities more enjoyable THE SPUR-DICKENS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 403 E. Hill St., is closed this week. Call (806) 424 N. Burlington Ave., Spur. center/gym in Aspermont, but dark even before Covid-19. The and healthier in the new year. 271-3714 for questions. Free WiFi service (password spurlib2017) is available THE TEXAS SPUR is a weekly to guests from the parking lot. publication covering Dickens SPUR-DICKENS COUNTY MUSEUM is closed for the season and will reopen the first and Kent Counties, including CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Friday in April 2021. If you would like a tour, please call a board member: Spur, Dickens, Afton, McAdoo, Fronye Morris, (806) 271-3577; Linda Swenson, (806) 271-3238; Woodie Clairemont, Jayton and Girard. McArthur, (806) 271-4415; or Don Wright, (806) 271-4520. All submissions are run at the SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER/SOUTH DICKENS, 210 Burlington Ave., provides a meal at discretion of the editor. Texans urged to roll up their sleeves noon Monday– Friday, currently for curbside pickup only. A donation of $4 is CONTENT SUBMISSIONS Deadline for suggested for ages 60 and older, with a $8 donation for those younger than ad submissions, announcements AUSTIN—Gov. Greg Ab- “The focus on people who 60. For more information call (806) 271-4472. and news is Monday at noon. bott and other Texas leaders are age 65 and older or who SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER/NORTH DICKENS, 511 Montgomery St., Dickens, provides a SUBSCRIPTONS are $30/yr for are rolling up their sleeves to have comorbidities will protect meal at noon Monday–Friday, still practicing social distancing precautions. residents 65 and older and $35/ get the COVID-19 vaccine and the most vulnerable popula- A donation of $5 is suggested. For more information call (806) 623-5520. yr for all others living in Spur, to encourage the public to fol- tions,” said Imelda Garcia, Ex- NORTH DICKENS COUNTY MUSEUM is open 2nd and 3rd Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Dickens, Afton, McAdoo, Jayton and noon. For other times, call Jeanie Little for an appointment, (806) 623-5215. Girard; $40/yr elsewhere in Texas low suit. pert Vaccine Allocation Panel KENT COUNTY LIONS CLUB meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month and out-of-state; and $40/yr or “I will never ask any Texan chairwoman. “This approach at noon at the Kent County Community Center, 156 4th St., Jayton. Lunch is $5/mo for online subscriptions. to do something that I’m not ensures that Texans at the most served at a cost of $10 per person; please RSVP to Daryl Ham at (806) 269-1179. Go to www.thetexasspur.com to willing to do myself,” Abbott severe risk from Covid-19 can SPUR ART GUILD Open painting day every third Monday at the Willie Room at subscribe using PayPal, or send said before getting vaccinated be protected across races and South Plains Electric Co-op, Farm Road 836, Spur. SPEC opens at 8 a.m., and payment to The Texas Spur, participants can come and go throughout the day for painting. P. O. Box 430, Spur, TX 79370. at a televised event in Austin. ethnicities and regardless of ADVERTISING display rates are $4.60 The next round of vaccines where they work.” COMMUNITY CHANGES AND CLOSURES Follow The Texas Spur on Facebook to per column inch local and $5.60 per will go to people 65 and older The state is in Phase 1A of keep up with news about these entities: column inch national. Obituaries and to those who are at greatest vaccine distribution, which ALLSUP’S has requested all customers to wear masks. are $1 per line of copy plus $5 for a risk of severe disease and death includes residents of long-term CAP ROCK TELEPHONE The lobby remains closed. The night drop Is available for photo. Classifieds and legal notices payments and correspondence. Phone service Is available during regular are 20¢ per word, $10 minimum. from Covid-19. More than 70 care centers and front-line of State Health Services officials business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Engagement, birth, anniversary and percent of Covid-19 deaths in health care workers. With an CITY OF SPUR offices reopened to the public as of Sept. 21, with the following cards of thanks are 20¢ per word, $10 Texas have occurred in people said in announcing the updated guidelines: (1) No more than 2 customers in lobby at one time; (2) no minimum; wedding write-ups are $1 65 or older, Texas Department priority list. See CAPITAL, page 4 public restrooms; (3) no one allowed past lobby with out an appointment; per line of copy and include a photo. (4) masks are required to enter lobby. Copyright © 2018 by The Texas Spur. The entire content of each issue “Please conduct your business quickly, so it allows others to come in,” of The Texas Spur is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. No reproduction of any portion of any issue will be permitted without the read the City’s Facebook post this week. “We appreciate your efforts in expressed consent of The Texas Spur. helping us and continuing in protecting our citizens.” WWW.THETEXASSPUR.COM Candidates announce for seat vacated by Springer DANA’S PHARMACY IN SPUR is temporarily providing curbside service only beginning Mon., Dec. 28. DICKENS COUNTY FARM BUREAU‘S office lobby in Spur will be closed until further in HD68 special election set for Jan. 23 notice. Staff may be reached by phone at (806) 271-3231, and payments STAFF REPORTS can be dropped through the mail drop in the door. DIXIE DOG IN SPUR is serving orders via drive-through only. Cooke County Judge Jason tional resign-to-run provision. Precinct 1 Commissioner from DOLLAR GENERAL IN SPUR has requested all customers to wear masks. Brinkley (R) announced this He was first elected to the post in 2017 to 2018, fulfilling an unex- LAWRENCE BROTHERS IGA GROCERY IN SPUR has requested all customers to wear Contact your elected officials week he would seek the seat 2014, having previously served as pired term. A certified financial masks. THE PALACE THEATER IN SPUR has postponed movies until further notice. President being vacated by Senator-elect a Cooke Co. justice of the peace. planner with more than 25 years SPUR POLICE DEPARTMENT has closed its offices to walk-in visitors, and will Donald J. Trump Drew Springer (R-Muenster). Former Jack County in the financial services industry, handle only emergencies in person. Non-emergencies will be handled www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Brinkley’s announcement also Commissioner John Berry (R) Berry has owned Corner Post by phone. Governor of Texas served as his resignation, which joined Brinkley in announcing Financial Planning for nearly 15 SPUR SECURITY BANK’s lobby remains closed. Drive-through, phone service Greg Abbott was triggered by the constitu- his candidacy. Berry served as years. and parking lot exchange of Information by appointment are available. www.gov.texas.gov/contact THE TEXAS SPUR offices are open to the public, but customers are always United States Senate welcome to drop off notices and payments in the door slot, since hours Sen. John Cornyn are always unpredictable if staff are out covering news. Staff may be 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. reached by phone at (806) 271-3381 or via email at [email protected]. Washington, DC 20510 Kent Commission authorizes draw for JGISD in final 2020 meeting WHITE RIVER MARINA will reopen for next weekend, Jan. 2 and 3. They remain (202) 224-2934 closed Monday through Friday for now. www.cornyn.senate.gov BARBARA BRANNON | THE TEXAS SPUR Lubbock Office At its regularly scheduled county account. The request been received). The new truck Wells Fargo Center 1500 Broadway, Suite 1230 meeting of Monday, Dec. 28, was approved. The balance will cost approximately $40,000 Lubbock, TX 79401 2020, Kent County commission- remaining in the county’s per- before an eligible trade-in from (806) 472-7533 ers approved a technical change manent school fund now stands the county’s vehicle inventory. Spur Police Department Report Sen. Ted Cruz to a one-time transaction re- at $7,611,650. The court also authorized pay- Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., quested by Jayton-Girard ISD. Commissioners and county ment payroll and claims against Week ending December 27, Thursday, December 24, 2020 Ste. SDB-40B • No Calls for Service Washington, DC 20510 The school district, which is treasurer Christy Long dis- county, and approved the trea- 2020 [email protected] in the midst of a multimillion- cussed sending annual bills to surer’s report. Friday, December 25, 2020 www.cruz.senate.gov dollar overhaul and expansion renters of hangar space at the Kent County Nursing Home Monday, December 21, 2020 • No Calls for Service U.S. House of Representatives of facilities, requested a draw of county airport, and considered administrator Bobby Simpkins • Spur PD responded to the Congressional District 13 $1,399,256.18 in mid-December, a possible future change in reported a patient census of 38 500 Block of Williams Ave. in Saturday, December 26, 2020 (including Dickens County) shortly after the commissioners’ rates. Bills will go out this week with one anticipated admis- reference to Fraud. Rep. Mac Thornberry • Spur PD responded to the Amarillo Office court had authorized county at existing rates. sion Dec. 29. The facility is still • Spur PD responded to the 500 Block of E. 6th St.in refer- 620 South Taylor Street, Suite 200 judge Jim C. White to reinvest In other financial matters, experiencing some employee 600 Block of Burlington Ave. in ence to Assist EMS. Amarillo, TX 79101-3541 $1.4 million in short-term cer- the court authorized the pur- overtime even after recent hires. reference to a Funeral Escort. (806) 371-8844 • Spur PD responded to the Wichita Falls Office tificates of deposit. Having chase, on a 5-1 vote, for a 2020 Two vacancies remain open: a 800 Block of Williams Ave. in 2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 406 not yet signed the certificates, four-wheel-drive pickup truck night CNA position and PRN/ Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Wichita Falls, TX 76308-2829 • Spur PD responded to the reference to a Disturbance. (940) 692-1700 White asked instead to make for use by the county extension business office employee; there the transfer out of that amount agent, to replace a fleet truck have been a good number of 500 Block of Trumbull Ave. in Congressional District 19 Sunday, December 27, 2020 (incurring no penalty) and that was recently totaled (an reference to a Welfare Check. (including Kent County) • No Calls for Service Rep. Jodey Arrington deposit the remainder into the insurance claim of $8,100 has See KENT, page 6 Lubbock Office Wednesday, December 23, 1312 Texas Ave., Ste. 219 2020 TO REPORT A CRIME OR EMERGENCY P. O. Box 6687 Dial 911 • No Calls for Service Lubbock, TX 79493 Spur food pantries TO REACH POLICE NON-EMERGENCY (806) 763-1611 (806) 623-5533 www.arrington.house.gov supply many, Abilene Office 500 Chestnut St., #819 Abilene, TX 79602 even during Covid (325) 675-9779 challenges Springer replacement special election Texas State Senate District 28 BARBARA BRANNON AND set for Jan. 23; filing deadline Jan. 4 (including Dickens and Kent Counties) KAY ELLINGTON | THE TEXAS SPUR Sen. Charles Perry Gov. Greg Ab- 11003 Quaker Ave., Ste. 101 The past year has been a AUSTIN— Wheeler, Wilbarger and Young Lubbock, TX 79424 difficult year on the food front bott has set Jan. 23, 2021, as counties. (806) 783-9934 THE TEXAS SPUR the special election date to fill Springer’s victory earlier [email protected] for many in Dickens County, www.perry.senate.state.tx.us with Covid-19 causing business RESPONDING TO NEED Drive-up lines at the First United Methodist Church Texas House District 68, for- this month against Shelly Lu- and job losses even among of Spur, which gives out two pre-packed boxes of food per customer the first merly held by State Rep. Drew ther in a special election for Monday of each month, wound for several blocks in early December. Texas House of Representatives those who haven’t previously Springer, who recently won a Texas Senate District 30 leaves District 68 Senate runoff election. his current House seat vacant. (including Dickens and Kent Counties) experienced need. While the ers IGA grocery store provided He indicated that the generosity Within Springer’s District Candidates who want to Rep. Drew Springer nation’s food supply remains area residents the opportunity of local grocery shoppers in do- District Office: 406 E. California 68 seat are Childress, Colling- be placed on the ballot have adequate, according to the US to help those who needed food, nating groceries to the area food Street sworth, Cooke, Cottle, Crosby, until 5 p.m. on Monday to file Gainesville, TX 76240-4102 Food & Drug Administration, by providing a donation option bank had been heartwarming Dickens, Fisher, Floyd, Garza, applications with the Secretary (940) 580-1770 short-term supply-chain issues to the Spur Food Bank. throughout the holiday season. [email protected] “People have really stepped Hall, Hardeman, Haskell, Jack, of State’s office. In-person early https://house.texas.gov/members/ have made it harder for those Demand at the Spur Area member-page/?district=68 in need. up,” said James Robinson, Law- Kent, King, Montague, Mot- voting is scheduled to start Locally, the Lawrence Broth- rence Brothers store manager. See FOOD, page 6 ley, Stonewall, Throckmorton, Jan. 11.

TheTexasSpur.com SOCIETY & LIFESTYLE THE TEXAS SPUR | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 3

A batch of bunuelos for a cozy New Year’s Eve

Who’s ready to ring in 2021? I don’t think I know of a soul who isn’t ready to bid farewell to 2020. I do try to focus on some of the wonderful aspects of this past year; there were certainly many things to be thankful for. But I’m also excited to move forward to a time when outings and experiences we used to take for granted will be safe again. I know we all long for that. And for alleviating some of the fear of loved ones falling ill. ANGELINA LARUE PHOTO A cozy evening with family may just be in store for New Year’s BUNDLE UP WITH BUNUELOS A cross between flour tortillas and sopapillas, bunuelos are quite popular to eat on new year’s eve to bring good luck in Eve, rather than a gathering until we can live it up next year when the year ahead, but can be enjoyed all year long. circumstances are different. So make the occasion extra special with a batch of bunuelos. Bunuelos are kind of a cross between flour tortillas and sopapil- las. They are quite popular to eat on New Year’s Eve to bring good LIBRARY NOTES DONNICE CARRUTH | SPECIAL TO THE TEXAS SPUR luck in the year ahead, but they can be enjoyed all year long. They are typically rolled out into circles but no need to fuss with the exact form. Some of mine have looked like the shape of hands, hearts, and New books, new readers at the Spur library various continents, but they taste just as good in random shapes. Care Anywhere Serve bunuelos with a warm mug of hot chocolate. I love to Today is the last day of the from Guthrie that “The televi- break off a piece of the cinnamon-coated treat to dip in the hot year 2020. Hopefully 2021 will be sion series ‘Yellowstone; has set Connect to a provider by: chocolate. It’s a nice way to welcome a new year. Enjoy food made a better year for everyone. up shop with a large production fresh! We have a few new DVDs at team in Guthrie and is filming Smartphone Bunuelos the library. First, the 2018 Sci- at several locations on the 6666 3 cups all-purpose flour Fi “The Meg,” starring Jason Ranch. A few of the principal Tablet 1 teaspoon baking powder Stratham, Li Bingbing, and actors have been spotted around Computer 1 teaspoon salt Rainn Wilson. A group of sci- town, including the character 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon entists exploring the Marianas Jimmy Hurdstrom, a ranch hand Standard Telephone 3/4 cup milk Trench encounter the largest played by Jefferson White. A ¼ cup unsalted butter marine predator that has ever couple of Guthrie locals have 1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla extract or other vanilla extract existed—the Megalodon. been tagged as extras in the 2 eggs, beaten Also new to our DVD library production.” 1½ cups vegetable oil for frying is the first three seasons of “Yellowstone” is a popular 1/3 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cin- the Paramount Network series drama television series that namon to sprinkle “Yellowstone.” There has been premiered on June 20, 2018, on talk that this production crew the Paramount Network. It stars CALL 325-573-1300 Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside. were filming at the Four Sixes Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, to schedule your appointment Place milk, butter and vanilla in medium-size saucepan and Ranch in Guthrie recently. In the Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole *Not all problems are appropriate for a virtual visit. bring to a slow boil over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove Texas Spur’s News and Events Hauser, and Gil Birmingham. If your problem cannot be resolved with a virtual visit, we will discuss other options with you when you call. from heat. of Surrounding Counties in the **Copays may apply. Temper the beaten eggs with 2 or 3 tablespoons of hot milk October 22 edition it was noted See BOOKS, page 4 mixture before adding the eggs to the rest of the hot milk; this will keep the eggs from cooking in the hot liquid. Whisk together until well blended. Slowly add milk and egg mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together in a ball. Turn dough onto During the current conditions of maintaining floured surface and knead 2 to 3 minutes. Divide into 20 balls. social distance, we encourage members Heat approximately 1 inch of oil in a medium-size skillet over and visitors check with churches in advance medium heat. Roll dough balls out into 6- to 7-inch circles. regarding the best ways to join in worship. Drop a small pinch of dough into the oil to if it sizzles. When it is sizzles, fry the bunuelos one at a time. They will bubble in places and begin to brown. Cook first side for 1 to 2 minutes then flip over to brown the other side for about 1 minute. Remove from skillet and stand upright in bowl lined with paper towels. Church Directory Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture while still hot. Serve at room temperature. Store in an airtight container at Afton McAdoo room temperature for 3 to 4 days. AFTON BAPTIST CHURCH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Harold Abney, Pastor Bill Berry, Pastor SS: 10:00 AMS: 11 :00 AM SS: 10:00AM S: 11:00AM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Chuck Harrison, Pastor S:9:00 AM Dickens BIBLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Peacock Marvin West, Pastor BAPTIST CHURCH SS: 9:45AM S: 10:45AM; 5:00 PM W: 6:00 PM Rev. Joel Rister CALVARY TEMPLE SS: S: 10:30AM; 6:00 PM Holiday Cyclamens Jamie Braly, Pastor SS: 9:30 AM S: 10:30 AM W: 7:00 PM What to do with a holiday plant that was gifted to us? A DICKENS BAPTIST CHURCH Spur commonly given plant for the season is the cyclamen. Here are Jesse Gillham, Pastor ASSEMBLY OF GOD some suggestions to keep your new plants healthy. SS: 9:45 AMS: 11 :00 AM SS: 10:00AM S: 10:45AM; Cyclamens are long-lived houseplants that will bloom all BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH winter months, given the proper care. They are from Mediter- C.L. Atkinson, Pastor ranean area with a life cycle typical for regions that have mild Jayton SS: 10:00AM S: 11:00AM winters and dry summers. They are winter bloomers and enter JAYTON CHURCH OF CHRIST COMMUNITY BIBLE CHAPEL dormancy in the summer. Minister: Jason Blankenship CC Noland, Pastor Don’t panic when cyclamens stop blooming, as winter Sunday Bible Class 9:30 a.m. SS: 10:00AM S: 11 :00AM; 5:00 PM W: 6:00 PM months pass and they seem to be declining later in the spring. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH They are going into a dormant state. The progression is first to Wednesday night 6:00 p.m. Rory Mosley, Pastor • Prayer Time 9:00 AM no longer put on new blooms, followed by leaves turning from FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD their vibrant dark green to yellow. SS: 9:30AM S: 10:30AM; 6:00 PM W: 6:30 PM SS: 9:45 AM S: 11 :00 AM When top growth slows, the plants do not need the same FREEDOM CHURCH amount of water as when vigorously growing, so gradually re- FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH David Zarate, Pastor duce waterings. Because cyclamens are grown from corms, ap- Jake Edwards, Pastor SS: 9:45 a.m. S: 10:30 AM W: 7:00 PM ply water to the sides of the pot, not the center. Set pots outside Sunday School: 10 AM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in partial shade during the summer. Remove any dead leaves. Sunday Worship: 11 AM Gary Eggart, Pastor Plants will enter dormancy at the beginning of summer. It SS: 10:00 AM S: 11:00AM SS: 10:00 AMS: 10:50 AM W: 6:30 PM is critical that the corms stay in good condition. When they are Wednesday Meal and Bible Study HWY. 70 CHURCH OF CHRIST fully dormant, indicated by the lack new growth, cease watering. for Children, Youth, and Adults: 5:45 PM David Pafford, Minister This stage usually occurs in early June. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SS: 9:30 AM S: 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM W: 7:00 PM Move pots into full sun until end of July or first of August. S: 4 PM in First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Potluck last Sunday of month Resume watering, and when new growth appears, transplant Rev. Burt Montgomery LAKESIDE BAPTIST CHURCH into a larger pot. There should be a healthy, white, vigorous 11:00 a.m. in the Kent County community Morning Service 11 :00 AM root system. center in Jayton on Sunday. ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH In the autumn move pots into partial shade. There should For information: Bert Stanaland Father Jeganathan Arulsamy be a profusion of new leaves and flower buds will once again be (806) 237-2155; (432) 693-6236 Sunday Mass 12:30 PM forming from just below the foliage. When frosts are expected bring plants indoors, and keep These businesses invite you to visit the church of your choice in our area: moist but not wet. If windows can be opened, cyclamens grow best with slight air movement that facilitates air circulation. Expose them to east or north sunlight. Cyclamens are best grown with day temperatures of 60°F to 68°F, with cooler night temperatures of 50° to 55°F. As before, when watering the pot, apply moisture to the sides of the plant, avoiding the corm, as corms that stay wet for long periods will rot. Cyclamens do well when watered from below. Place pots in a tub or saucer until the media is moist. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every other watering. 211 W. Harris St. As new flowers fade remove flower stalk from the crown. Star Feed & Seed Spur FERTILIZERS, TOP SOIL AND INSECTICIDES. (806) 271-4532 FROM THE GARDEN is sponsored weekly by

4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 | THE TEXAS SPUR SCHOOLS & SPORTS TheTexasSpur.com Update shared on Jan. 5 date REVIEW FROM PAGE 1 TEXAS SPUR COUNTRY Slidell tops Jayton in last state game for rescheduled 1A state final It was definitely a tough year for Jayton. Despite ad- BASKETBALL SCOREBOARD vancing to the state semifinal in San Antonio March 12, On Monday morning six- 8the Jaybirds lost to the Slidell Greyhounds 45-28. It was man football fans rejoiced at the the last game played in the Alamodome for the boys’ season, as UIL news shared from Balmorhea JAYTON JAYBIRDS cancelled the remainder of the tournament immediately afterward ISD: “The Balmorhea vs. Rich- due to Covid concerns. land Springs game is set for Varsity Boys (Thursday) Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. We Dec. 21 Jayton 29, Farwell 49 will be the home team at San Dec. 30 Jayton vs. Cross Plains Home Noon Angelo. We are working on tick- Dec. 31 Jayton vs. Graford Away 11:30 a.m. eting information and should championship football game Jan. 2 Jayton vs. Crane Home 1:15 p.m. have that available early this originally slated for the week of Varsity Girls week. We will post that as soon Dec. AT&T Stadium in Arlington as it becomes available.” the week of Dec. 16 but was post- Dec. 30 Jayton vs. Highland (Roscoe) Home 1:30 p.m. The Division II six-man state poned due to Covid concerns. SPUR BULLDOGS CAPITAL FROM PAGE 2 Varsity Boys Dec. 31 Spur vs. Hermleigh Home 3:30 p.m. estimated 1.9 million Texans in ing Texas received would go those groups, it will likely be at toward supporting local gov- Varsity Girls least two weeks people in Phase ernments. However, advocacy Dec. 31 Spur vs. Hermleigh Home 2:30 p.m. 1B can get the vaccine. group Texas Housers said its The Phase 1B priorities are analysis shows the state has below, and additional informa- not delivered. PATTON SPRING RANGERS tion is available at dshs.texas. The local governments are Varsity Girls gov: supposed to apply through a • People 65 years of age reimbursement process admin- Jan. 2 Patton Springs vs. All Saints Episcopal Home 6 p.m. and older istered by the Texas Division of • People 16 years of age and Emergency Management, ac- older with at least one chronic cording to a May 11 letter from BOOKS FROM PAGE 3 medical condition that puts the governor. them at increased risk for se- “Since the letter, TDEM has The series follows the conflicts man the Wild West will never vere illness from the virus that stymied local governments at along the shared borders of a be the same. But first they’ve causes Covid-19, such as but every turn,” Houser officials large cattle ranch, an Indian got to live up to their legends— COURTESY PHOTO not limited to cancer, chronic said in a statement. “Although reservation, and land develop- or die trying.” kidney disease, chronic ob- the process should have been JAYBIRDS CHASED OFF BY GREYHOUNDS n the state 1A semifinal ers. The series is in its fourth “Big Jake’s Last Trail basketball game March 12, right before UIL called a halt to games. structive pulmonary disease, a clean handoff of resources season, as the article reported. Drive” by Robert Randisi has heart conditions, such as heart specifically earmarked for cities After some sleuthing of two old ranch hands lead one failure, coronary artery disease and counties, money has been my own (aka googling) I could last trail drive, but they can’t Patton Springs takes a break, gets a or cardiomyopathies; solid complicated for local govern- only find an item on the web- escape death along the way in break organ transplantation, severe ments to access and has flowed site of Amarillo radio station a brand new thrilling western Patton Springs Independent School District took a obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell slowly or not at all.” The Bull. Their theory is that in Ralph Compton’s trail drive radical step in its instructional program when it an- disease and type 2 diabetes. A Texas emergency man- someone at the Four Sixes series. 9 nounced in July that it would be going to a four-day State vs. local CARES mon- agement official has said the won a charity auction where I could find only positive week for the 2020–21 school calendar year. The move, which ey. The state of Texas is not largest barrier to reimburse- the prize was to have their reviews for “Destiny” by Paul had been under consideration for several years, turned out to be living up to its promise of allo- ment has been local govern- horse Metallic Cat appear in Cox. One Amazon reviewer prescient as schools everywhere grasped at solutions for keeping cating federal pandemic relief ments not submitting the cor- an episode of “Yellowstone.” said, “Cox has proven to be students safe under Covid conditions. funds to local governments, an rect documents. Also, some The winning bid was $165,000, one of the greatest modern Then, in September, students got a surprise boost when “The advocacy group contends. of the CARES money has been and speculation was that since day historical western authors Voice” judge Blake Shelton “cleared the list” of school supplies After Congress passed the spent on state projects that the horse is said not to travel, with his latest novel, ‘Destiny.’ teacher Annie Maree Gressett had itemized at Amazon.com. In Coronavirus Aid, Relief and benefit cities and counties. its scenes are being filmed at Saturated in research, Paul response to Gressett’s long-shot tweet “PLEASE?” to Shelton, the Economic Security, or CARES, the ranch. has been able to create intrigu- country and western star replied, “I’ve had a few drinks. I’ll take Act in March, Gov. Abbott Chances are we won’t get to ing and memorable characters care of it for ya.” said $1.85 billion of the fund- run into Kevin Costner around that lead the reader on an epic Within days much-appreciated packages of books, writing mate- town, but the series has been journey through the perils of rials, paints, science project supplies, learning games, intervention picked up for a fourth season northern Mexico during the materials and resources began arriving at the rural school, which and is probably a decent show. raids of Pancho Villa in 1916.” has an enrollment of fewer than 100. Note of Thanks You won’t find this series on Fans of Rory and Joey Feek Netflix or Hulu, but you can will enjoy Rory’s autobiog- NRHC acquires, moves long-sought The Whitefield family would like to check out the first three sea- raphy, “This Life I Live: One sons at the library. Man’s Extraordinary, Ordinary Spur church thank everyone for their calls, texts, In our Western fiction sec- Life and the Woman Who While never part of the historic Spur Ranch tion of the library we have Changed it Forever.” Rory Feek itself, the tiny Trinity Mission church building cards and prayers during this difficult added a few new large print connects his readers more 10 was once an important part of early Spur spiritual time. It is reassuring to know so many novels. The publisher had fully to his and Joey’s story. life. Acquired in 2020 by the National Ranching Heritage Center, this to say about “They Came He also gives never-before- which had long wished for a ranch-related house of worship to cared for Shirley and how she lived her To Kill” by William W. and J.A. revealed details on their life add to its Lubbock outdoor museum, the one-room, shingle- Johnstone, “Johnstone Justice together and what he calls roofed structure, more than a century old, was moved Oct. 7 life. May God bless all of you! double barreled...Where a “the long goodbye.” from its most recent location in Brownfield, Texas, to Lubbock. legendary frontiersman teams Check it all out at the li- There, thanks to generous donations, it became the 52nd build- up with a legendary mountain brary! ing in the collection.

DEADLINE | NOON Monday Spur ponders possibilities for pool HAPPY NEW YEAR from the CATTLE MARKET REPORT Following the defeat of a 2019 bond elec- No sales to report week of December 25 All items intended for each week’s edition tion, the City of Spur convened a public forum must be received no later than noon on to pursue options for using some $50K in funds Mondays. Items submitted are subject to 11 holdover for future editions, depending on earmarked for restoring its out-of-commission public swimming size, content and available space. No guaran- pool. In response to the plethora of opinions, Mayor Louise Jones tees or assurances are made to when articles or photographs will appear in print. media appointed a Spur Pool Action Committee to propose a plan for rehabilitating the historic bathhouse portion. By December, $3,000 of the fund had been approved for the services of an architectural review and plan, which is expected by early 2021. Spur Senior Citizens Brisk sales of in-trust properties LINDA ALEXANDER | SPECIAL TO THE TEXAS SPUR generate cash for county coffers In January the Dickens County Commission approved a contract with Lubbock-based Texas 12 Communities Group, per an interlocal agreement SPUR SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER to commission sales of government-owned tax-delinquent aban- SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY doned properties. The first list of properties went up for online 27January 28 29 2021 30 31 1 2 auction in February and by year’s end had generated significant DEC. 30 Beef Fajitas, Chicken Fried revenue for local use. The City of Spur in December applied its DEC. 31 Oven Fried Refried Beans, Spanish Steak/Brown Gravy, Chicken, Bow Tie Pasta, portion—approximately $10,000—to demolition of several con- Happy New Year!! Rice, Tossed Veggie Salad, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Broccoli/Raisin Salad, demned houses, and the construction of a new demolition pit for LCF Dressing, Flour Peas, Toss Salad, LC ITL Dr, Curbside is available at this time Fruit Cocktail Tortilla, Peach Cobbler Fruit Cocktail disposal of the debris. A second round of abandoned residences 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 was posted that same month. Smothered Pork Chops, Baked Ziti/Meat Sauce, Taco Pie/Salad Topping, Pork Roast, Mashed Sweet S/W Potatoes, Squash Lasagna, Spinach, Tossed Mashed Swt. Potatoes, Pinto Beans, Chuck Wagon Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, And a few other things that happened Casserole, Carrot/Raisin Salad LCFD, Wheat Bread, Zucchini, Broc/Caulif Corn, Corn Totilla, Imt. Coleslaw, Wheat Roll, Beneficial and interesting things did happen even Salad, Cornbread, Sliced Fresh Banana Salad, Wht Bread, Pch Peanut Butter Cup Tropical Fruit Peaches Apple Crisp amid the pandemic, which made their way into 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 &c the pages of The Texas Spur. Polish sausage, Red • Spur launches Farmer’s Market, March 2020 BBQ Chicken Breast, Smothered Steak, Mashed King Ranch Casserole, (Veg Pollock Wedge w/Lemon, Cabbage/Swt & Sour • Former Spur resident Jeannette Brown publishes highlight Smothered Potatoes, Potatoes, Mixed Greens, in casserole) Pinto Beans, Lima Beans, Coleslaw, Sauce, German Potatoe praised novel, “The Illusion of Leaving,” and her Nashville, Tenn., Carrot/Raisin Salad, Wheat Roll, Peach Sugar Cookie w/Pineapple Box/Raisins, Cornbread, Salad, Wht Roll, Black Wheat Roll, Sliced Apples Shortcake Rings Lemon Cookie independent bookstore hosts a "drive-by book signing.” Forest Parfait • According to the terms of Anne Marion’s will, the 150-year-old 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 6666 Ranches go on the market for sale, in December. The listing Chicken Ala King, White Char Broil Beef Patty, Tom, price for the 142,372–acre headquarters ranch in Guthrie is a cool Salmon patties, Lima BBQ Brisket, Hash Browns, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Rice, Calif Veg Blend, Lettuce, Pickle Salad, Herb $192,202,200. Beans, Cole Slaw, Corn Turnip Greens, Cornbread, Italian Veggies, Broccoli, Spinach Mushroom Salad, Potatoe Fries, Wht Bun, Bread, Tropical Fruit Pineapple Pie Garlic Toast, Autumn Jello Wht Roll, Choc Chip • Spur takes delivery in December of a new custom-built fire Berry Cobbler Cookie truck, funded by a Texas Department of Agriculture grant. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 • Spur makes a fun and creative bid for the HGTV Hometown Baked Fish Scandia, Red Breaded Chicken Tenders, Takeover television series . . . but loses out to Wetumpka, Alabama. Creamy Mushroom Steak, BBQ Beef w/ Sauce, Potatoes (skin on), Baked Potato w/sour Jambalaya, Carrots, Black- Yeah, it was just that kind of year, wasn’t it? Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Smothered Potatoes, Coleslaw w/Apple, cream, Peas & Carrots, eye Peas, Cornbread, Lazy Carrots, Wheat Roll, Pinto Beans, Wheat Bun, Cornbread, Peach Strawberries w/ Whipped Cake Emerald Pears Apricots Ring out the old • 2020 • Ring in the new • 2021 Shortcake Topping  

TheTexasSpur.com OBITUARIES & CLASSIFIED THE TEXAS SPUR | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 5

OBITUARIES

of Sadler, Texas; sister Tookie Mary Nannette Hart of McAlester, Oklahoma; 12 Hagar, grandchildren, 15 great-grand- children and a host of nieces 1933–2020 and nephews. Caprock Canyons State Park Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, O.V. Mary Nannette (Donoho) Hagar; her parents, R.G. and announces first day hike for Jan. 1, 2021 Hagar went to her heavenly Imaree Donoho; and one broth- STAFF REPORTS home on December 21, 2020. er, Bob Donoho. Start your new year off onthe right foot. Or on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure and share She was born January 25, Funeral services honoring left foot...whichever you prefer. what you learned from nature in your “Caprock 1933, in Jayton, Texas, to the late Nancy were held at 2:00 p.m. Spending time outdoors is good for your mind, Experience” by using the #firstdayhike and #Cap- R.G. and Imaree Donoho. She on Monday, December 28, 2020, body and spirit. Take a hike on the first day of the rockexperience tags. was a graduate of Jayton High at Meador Funeral Home of new year and take the “Caprock Experience.” Be sure to post it by the end of the day on School and attended nursing Whitesboro, Texas, officiated Here’s how you can participate: January 1, 2021. school in Lubbock. She mar- as “Nancy” and to her family by Rev. Roy Duff. Interment Print off the First Day Hike Guide at https:// As an added challenge, participate in the Red ried O.V. Hagar on July 20, 1953, and neighbors as “Granny.” followed at Sadler Cemetery. A tpwd.texas.gov/state.../caprock-canyons/fdh- River Parks’ First Day Hike Challenge. Caprock in Wolfforth, Texas. She was Nancy is survived by her time of visitation for family and guide/ Canyons State Park is a participating park in the employed for many years as a sons Joel Hagar of Farmersville, friends was held on Sunday, Take a selfie along the trail and tag the park challenge so don’t miss it! quality control inspector for Texas, and Jay Hagar and wife, December 27, 2020, from 6:00 to Texas Instruments. She was of Jackie, of Farmersville; daugh- 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. the Methodist faith and served ters Jil McDaniel and husband, To sign the online registry, several years as a lay speaker. Mac, of Howe, Texas, and Judy please go to www.meadorfu- Snyder’s College on the Square kicks Mary was known to her friends Richardson and husband, Marc, neral.com.

off First Thursdays Paint Night Jan. 7 Lesile James grandparents and many rela- tives in heaven. He is survived SNYDER—Participants in Snyder’s First painting and ready to come back next month! Hurst, by his son, Christopher Blake Thursday Paint Night Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, will All skill levels are welcome, whether you’re Hurst of Austin, and his daugh- paint a beautiful cardinal soaking up the winter just beginning or have painted for years. All sup- 1947–2020 ter, Wendy Nicole Hurst Martin, wonderland at College on the Square in down- plies and a catered dinner included in this class. as well as his grandchildren town Snyder sponsored by Western Texas College. Register now for this class by calling (325) Leslie James Hurst went Nathan Hurst and Rebekah Event planners encourage attendees to invite 574-6581. The cost is $40, and pre-registration is home to Jesus on December Hurst, Scarlet Martin, Keagan your friends, eat a delicious meal, and enjoy step- required. The event will practice social distancing, 22, 2020, after first overcoming Martin and Rose Martin; his by-step instruction with experienced local artist, and masks will be required. A virtual class will be numerous challenges such as brother, Tim Hurst (Ginger) of Nathalie Kelley. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind offered as well. heart and lung problems, kid- Austin; and his sister, Kathy ney disease, aneurysms, COVID, Hurst White of Lubbock. NEW’S YEAR’S EVENTS as reported to us by deadline and other conditions which Leslie’s family specifically TURKEY Uncle Bob’s Eve of the Eve, December 30. The Bob Wills Foundation will host the annual Uncle would have defeated younger, wants to thank the people of Bob’s Eve of the Eve which celebrates West Texas’s Finest Music on Wednesday, Dec. 30. The event includes a strong men years ago. Even saved in the First Methodist Spur and surrounding areas for prime rib dinner and music from The Ginny Mac Trio, The Rough Riders and Dustin Garrett’s Electric Mambo. now, Leslie’s passing was not a Church in Spur, where he sang their kindness, love and support Doors open at 5 p.m. BYOB. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $100. For more information, call the violent defeat of his life, but a in the church choir for years. they provided while Leslie was Bob Wills Foundation at (806)336-1471. completion of his life here and Leslie graduated from North in Spur. Services for Leslie were TURKEY Hotel Turkey – New Year’s Eve- December 31. Steak night and New Year’s Eve party, featuring a return to his real home. Texas State University in Denton held on Monday, December 28, Mason and the Gin Line, Luke Keopke and more. Leslie was born to M.C. in 1969, with a degree in market- 2020, with a celebration of life GAIL The Coyote Country Store, December 31. Say good-bye to 2020 with your friends at Agatha's 1st “Red” Hurst and Bernice Justice ing. Shortly, he married Susan in the Zapata Funeral Home Annual Coyote Country New Year's Eve Bash with The Texas Cadillac Jack Band at The Coyote Store in Gail, 100 Hurst on January 29, 1947, in Englert of Richardson, Texas, chapel at 2:00 p.m., followed by West Wasson Road. The celebration gets underway 7:30 p.m. and will ring in the new year. Spur, Texas. He exhibited his and they built a family with two a brief graveside service at the sweet and generous nature even wonderful children, Blake and Spur Memorial Cemetery. as a young child, making friends Wendy. He became co-owner For anyone considering a with all he met and passing of Hurst Department Store in tangible expression of sym- out gifts of oranges, candy, or Spur, and both Leslie and Susie pathy, the family suggests a whatever was available. worked there as part of the Hurst contribution to Spur Senior He went to Spur schools, team of Red, Bernice, Leslie, Citizens Center or to Spur Meals starting first grade in Mrs. Mar- and Susie for a number of years. on Wheels. cy’s class, with the same teacher Leslie always loved Spur, who had taught his mother, and worked to support the Ex- brother and sister. He loved Students Association and the E-Mail [email protected] to place your classified ad. playing football as a Spur Bull- town’s efforts to attract new dog. He graduated from Spur small businesses to Spur. High School in 1965. Leslie was Leslie joins his parents, Advertise in The Texas Spur Classifieds: $10.00* for 35 words or less, .25¢ each additional word. Deadline is 12:00 PM Monday. Bring your ad with payment to our office at 424 Burlington Ave., Spur. Or call us with a credit card at 806.271.3381. *If paid by cash or check in advance of run date HELP WANTED

RV SPOTS JOB OPENING HELP WANTED REAL ESTATE Water/Sewer Operator FOR LEASE HOME FOR SALE 516 Carroll Ave., RV SPOT(S) OR STORAGE SPOT(S) The City of Jayton is taking applications for a Part-time Water/Sewer Spur. 3/2 with carport. $33,000. being developed and available for Contact David Harrison, EXIT Realty rent, one acre in Afton, Texas (Dickens Operator. Job duties include but are not limited to the day-to-day operations of Lubbock. Lic# 634404. (806) 548- County). Rent all or part of the space. of the city utilities, maintenance of city streets and parks, and other various 3842. Price negotiable. Application required. Text Larry at (806) 241-7395. duties associated with working for a city municipality. This also includes being CLASS A CDL DRIVER needed for on call in the evenings and on alternating weeks. Spur, Dickens & Matador area. Must Pay will be $10.00 an hour, 25–30 hours a week. All job applicants will be have side-load trask truck experi- ence. Call Albert, (806) 778-8962. HELP WANTED • CITY OF SPUR required to take and pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to employment. Applications and a full list of job descriptions, responsibilities and require- The City of Spur is seeking (1) employee to take ments can be picked up at City Hall, located at 271 North Main in Jayton, TX. HOUSE SITTER/OFFICE ASSIS- TANT. Light office work, take care on a full-time position as City Technician. Du- Please call the office at 806-237-3822 should you have any questions. of indoor pet. $800/month. Send ties will include, but are not limited to, assist in resume to linda27miller@outlook. - com, (713) 538-8635. operations and maintenance of the City’s wa ter and waste water system in accordance with NOTICE OF PUBLIC TCEQ rules and regulations; Participate and assist HEARING HAY TAYLOR REAL ESTATE in operations of a natural gas system; General functions of public works, perform manual labor Patton Springs ISD will hold a 4x5.5 net wrapped FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE tasks; operate a variety of motorized and heavy Public Hearing on January 4, 20/20 cow hay, NEEDS contact Sandra Dillashaw, equipment. Applicants must be available for after 2021, at 7:00 p.m. to present weed sprayed Ekdahl Real Estate, Lic# 583913, - the district’s 2019–2020 Texas Mobile (806) 269-7173, Fax (806) hour’s duties, be able to take on-call status peri Delivered within 284-5172, email sandra@ekdahlre- odically, as well as participate and assist in animal Academic Performance Report 60 miles and 2019–20 School Report alestate.net control duties. Please pick up an application at of Matador, Texas City Hall, 402 Burlington, Spur, TX. Applications Card. The meeting will be held must be returned by Monday, January 4, 2021 at in the Patton Springs ISD Ad- $65/bale ministrative office, located at by the truckload HOUSE FOR SALE, 522 Calvert, 3:00 PM. For additional information call City Hall, 1261 East FM 193, Afton, Texas. Spur. 2 bedroom/1 bath, newly reno- (806)271-3316. The City of Spur is an equal op- vated in 2018. Refrigerator and stove convey. $30,000. Ekdahl Real Estate, portunity employer. Call Danny, (940) 389-3068 Sandra Dillashaw, (806) 269-7173 FARM & RANCH REAL ESTATE DICKENS COUNTY 151.7± ac Back 9 Ranch ½ mesquite ½ cultivation, California Creek 1,450± ac Fantastic hunting, shinnery, large stock tank! 380± ac Hoyt Shinnery, near Hawley, can be divided 130± ac Noodle 130 mesquite pasture, set up for hunting Don’t look away, FISHER COUNTY 323.4± ac Red Mud Creek cultivation and pasture, ponds and water well IN CONTRACT we can sell yours, too 150.9± ac W of Hamlin, Back 9 Ranch 16± ac E side of 707, additional acreage available. $52,000. 395± ac West Creek Ranch, great recreational tract W of Hamlin 5109± ac Red Creek Canyons Ranch, cultivation, spring fed creek KENT COUNTY 925± ac Panther Canyon Ranch Native pasture w/food plots, spring in canyon and HASKELL COUNTY Croton Creek to the N! 141± ac Union Creek, old CRP w/thick pasture and creek SOLD 271± ac SE of Weinert, Dry land farm w/pasture, tanks and creek! STONEWALL COUNTY 377± ac on Hwy 277, both sides of hwy, pasture, cultivation and coop water, will 5,900± ac 7 Diamond L Canyon Ranch 2 creeks and Salt Fork of the Brazos River divide 2,083± ac Double View Ranch river, 4/3 hm, 2 barns, rural & well water 627± ac Lost Creek Ranch 2.5 miles of creek, cabin & coop water 812± ac North View Ranch 4/3 hm, 2 barns great view of Double Mountains Rory Burroughs, 800± ac White Ghost River Ranch Salt Fork of the Brazos, awesome river views Your Rolling Plains Realtor JONES COUNTY 334± ac Canyon West Ranch great views, water & electricity, secluded! IN CONTRACT M: 830-591-3972 663± ac Great combo place w/fences, pens, water well and tank IN CONTRACT 1500± ac Gardner All pasture, house, barns other improvements, good fence 443± ac Rocking Barn Ranch E of Stamford, Cultivation and pasture 330± ac Dieckmeier Co-op water, all improved pasture [email protected] 202± ac 202 Ranch great hunting W of Stamford IN CONTRACT 80± ac Little Gardner open native range, co-op water

6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 | THE TEXAS SPUR TheTexasSpur.com FIRED UP Spur VFD’s new unit 816 brush truck sees first action Dec. 26 BARBARA BRANNON | THE TEXAS SPUR The Spur Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of its new grant-funded brush truck December 1—and before the month was out, it’s already proved its worth. On Saturday, Dec. 26, a land- owner working on farm equip- ment with a torch 2.5 miles south of Spur on County Road 427 accidentally sparked a grass fire that soon spread to surrounding brush. Spur Fire sent three brush trucks, one water tanker and a command unit, and Dick- which spread smoke for miles, its very first call,” said Abbott. ens County provided a county was almost under control. No “That will likely be Rick’s last maintainer to cut fire guards, property damage or personal call to respond to while on the TEXAS SPUR PHOTOS according to incoming fire chief injury occurred. fire department, so Rick getting SPUR BRUSH FIRE Spur VFD sent three brush trucks, one water tanker and a command unit, and Dickens Wess Abbott. By 5:30 the blaze, “It was very fitting because to break in the new truck in was County provided a county maintainer to cut fire guards to extinguish a Dec. 26 fire. Rick (Paschall) drove 816 on very special.”

KENT FROM PAGE 2 facility’s shipping container to emony for new and reelected FOOD FROM PAGE 2 want to get out during Covid.” vid prevention protocols are in store PPE supplies and other county offices at 10 a.m. Friday, Drive-up lines at the First place, said Ratliff. The facility applications, Simpkins said. assets was received and placed Jan. 1. New county attorney Food Bank, normally between United Methodist Church of is currently allowing only two There have been 2 falls with Dec. 15. Katie Lackey will be the only 40 and 60 customers each Spur, which gives out two patrons at a time, is set up for minor injury, 2 falls with no In other nursing home newcomer. Monday, has experienced some pre-packed boxes of food per social distancing, and permits injury, and 1 minor injury in the business, commissioners and Present in addition to shortfall in getting food from customer the first Monday of only volunteers to pick and reporting period. Simpkins an- Simpkins discussed options White were commissioners Roy the South Plains Food Bank each month, wound for several pack sacks. ticipates needing a county draw regarding the facility’s online Chisum, Daryl Ham, Robert in Lubbock, according to vol- blocks in early December. Those wishing to help with of $50,000. A QAFI meeting was marketing. Graham and Don Long, and unteer Tony Ratliff—but has Those needing to select food for others may call the held, and a payment of $21,000 County Judge Jim C. White county clerk Craig Harrison. The mainly been affected by a slight groceries at the Spur AreaFood Spur Area Food Bank at (806) was received in December. The announced a swearing-in cer- meeting was adjourned at noon. decrease because “people don’t Pantry may rest assured that Co- 789-3423.

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Every Home SPUR Expert Tax Return Deserves a 806.271.3378 Preparation and E-Filing Metal Roof Reasonable Flat Rates Metal Roofs • Better quality, Brice Capps 325.201.6561 701 Keeler Ave. same cost as shingles NMLS612458 Spur, Texas 79370 James Taylor, Owner Kevin Chisum 806.269.0954 806-271-4483 806-577-8968 NMLS1877968 1541 FM 1831B [email protected] [email protected] | www.spurtax.com Ralls, TX 79357 www.taylorroofingllc.com 515 Sterley | P.O. Box 240 capitalfarmcredit.com Spur, TX 79370 NMLS493828

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