Van Zandt News (Wills Point, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 48, Ed. 1 Sunday, May 5, 1985 Page: 1 of 19
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I
les head to state
ee Page 6A)
Kimmey, Moore honored
(See Page 19A)
Train tour scheduled
(See Page 10A)
Van Zandt News
Canton
SUNDAY, MAT S. 1985
Van bond vote slated
Participation,
not winning,
Olympics' goal
By David Barber
VAN-Van becamt* ihc third
school district in Van Zandt County
this school year to call a bond elec-
tion following a special meeting of
the Van School Board Tuesday
night
The board t ailed for a $3,400,000
bond election for Saturday. May 18
The motion, approved by the
board, is as follows: "That a bond
election be ordered for May 18,
1985. for the amount o( $3,400,000
to be repaid within a maximum of
10 years for the purpose of school
construction, equipment, im
provements to present facilities and
purchase of necessary sites
The board members then met
with members of the school district's
citizens advisory committee to an
nounce their decision.
In an April 28 meeting of the
committee, board president Dr
Gene Hightower presented a three
phase building program.
One of the key items in the pro-
gram called for a new elementary
campus for grades 3, 4. and 5 to be
located on a separate campus
Committee members were then
asked to turn in written responses to
the outlined program
Results showed that there were
unfavorable responses toward con
structing a new elementary facility
on a separate campus.
In a work session Saturday, board
members approved a new plan call
ing for the new building to be con
strutted at the current elementary
campus
Also the $3,400,000 bond pro-
posal calls for the purchase of a new
junior high school site, renovation of
the school auditorium, additional
physical education facilities, and the
addition of 4.000 square feet to the
current cafeteria and kitchen at the
elementary school.
Tuesday night. Hightower said a
site for the new elementary school
and a cost breakdown on each of the
(Continued on Page 9A)
By Linda Brown
CANTON - "I hope I win I hope
I win," Kristie Mantheiy said before
running the 50-meter run After the
race, she was given a green "partici-
pant" ribbon.
I hope 1 win, I hope I win," she
cried into a helper's shoulder after
throwing a softball about 20 feet
Once again she received a green
ribbon
After tossing a frisbee through a
loop she repeated. I hope I win I
hope I win, and then walked hand
in hand with the helper to the
awards table.
A few minutes later, Kristie was
told she had tied for first with
another contestant, and was given a
blue ribbon "I won, I won. Kristie
exclaimed, then she grabbed the
helper again and hugged her with
excited jov
Coming in first wasn't the purpose
of Thursdays Van Zandt County
Olympics for Special People held in
Canton, but it was still important.
Kristie, a resident at the Canton
Residential Center, was just one of
some 100 "special" adults and
children to take part in the annual
event, sponsored by the Progressive
Womens Club of Canton
For most participants, it didn t
matter if the ribbons were blue, red,
white or green. A victory by one was
shared with cheers and clapping by
Fee hikes 'only alternative
Why should we have to pay for
somebody else s political campaign
expenses- Hilliard said He also
noted that the added fees on
criminal fines would make the fines
too high for many to pay
"The state pays for the operation
of these offices (the district judge
and the county district attorney),"
Hollowell pointed out "It s not a
matter of w hether a county judge, or
(Continued on Page 9A)
By Kerrv Vaneev
Boih state legislators representing
Van Zandt County indicated in
telephone interviews this week that
they supported increased user fees to
offset a tevenue crunch, despite op
position from counties.
"Were bitterly opposed to in
(teasing fees Van Zandt County
Judge Sam Hilliard noted in an in
terview last week If they have to
have the money why don t they bite
the bullet and taise taxes? Then they
i an take the flak from John Q
Public We don't want to be their
i ollec non agem \
We have to have a balanced
budget State Representative Bill
llolb well of Grand Salnne noted
I uesdav The only way to do it
without a major new tax bill is to in
c tease- user fees and tuition " He ad
(led I have not seen a big hue and
<TV from Van Zandt County for z
major new tax bill
1 he fee bills pending in the
legislature c urrently would raise fees
for drivers licenses (from $10 to $16)
and the state auto inspection fee
from $5.25 to $9 The cost of filing a
civil suit would be raised from $25 to
$65 in the House version of the bill;
the Senate version might follow the
lead of Governor Mark White, who
has advocated raising the fee to
S100
"Why don't they just taise the
sales tax up to 6 percent and cut out
most of this stuff? Hilliard asked.
"It's quite possible that would be a
good alternative," State Senator Ted
l.yon of Rockwall said Thursday.
"However, there are very few
legislators willing to vote for a tax
increase.' The mood of the
legislature is to switch the cost from
taxes to user fees he noted "It s not
easy either way you go, he said
Hilliard pointed out that many of
the new fees would have the money-
raised go into newly created funds.
"They're slush funds, and I don't
believe in slush funds." Hilliard
said In particular he pointed out
that part of the increase in filing a
civil suit would go toward judicial
campaign funds
Reps split on blue low
Kristie Mantheiy of the Canton Residential Center, right, hugs
Special Olympics helper Denise Pugh after an event at the annual
Van Zandt Special Olympics Thursday night. (Photo by Linda
AUSTIN - State Senator Ted
Lyon and State Representative
Bill Hollowell expressed differing
opinions when asked about the
repeal of the state's blue law,
which limits the items that can
legally be *o).d on Sunday.
Hollowell was one of only 40
representatives to vote against a
bill Wednesday that would repeal
the blue law, which was imposed
in 1961.
The blue law lists 42 specific
items that cannot be sold on both
days of a weekend Limiting
those items has effectively closed
most stores on Sunday.
The bill to repeal the blue law
would bar employers from re
quiring employees to work seven
consecutive days, and includes
protections to guarantee time for
religious worship The bill passed
by the House exempts auto
dealerships, but the Texas
Automobile Dealers Association
has continued to oppose the bill
"I haven't heard any hue and
cry from Van Zandt Countv to
repeal the blue law," Hollowell
said Wednesday. I believe
workers are entitled to a day off I
also believe that most Van Zandt
County residents attend church.
It will destroy church rolls by get
ting more people involved in the
economic development of that
area which will mean that some
folks will have to work instead of
attending church
However, Hollowell pointed
out that the bill to repeal the blue
law still had to pass the Senate,
where the vote is believed to be
very close
Lyon said Thursday that he
was in favor of repealing the blue
law The only question I have is
whether it is a full or modified
repeal (leaving bans on some
items in force),” he said. "I
haven't really made up my mind
on that."
While the adults had not gotten
together to practice their races and
throwing events, the children had
spent an hour a day last week, prac
ticing a series of gymnastic events,
including tumbling, board walking
and trampoline. When it came time
for them to perform for the au
dience, the kids shined
"It was great; the best they have
ever done," members of the Pro-
gressive Womens Club said after the
event was over. "They are getting
better every year "
The Progressive Womens Club
has been sponsoring the event for
about five years, and LeeAnn
Holcomb has been working with the
(Continued on Page 9A)
WPISD driver, teacher
^ H m m u jj
reprimanded by board
By W'ilbur Callaway tion with the driver who delivered
WILLS POINT Three couples their children for the paddlings he
from F.lmo appeared before the hds been charged by the driver with
Wills Point School Board at a disorderly conduct. He said he
special session Thursday night to would file charges Friday against the
protest the handling of a discipline driver.
problem involving their children Referring to the paddling inci
earlier in the week dent. Laney said, "They (the bus
Mr and Mrs. Harold Laney. Mr. driver and the teacher) did not
and Mrs Joe Smith Sr . and Mr. and follow the proper school policy,"
Mrs. Dwight Hanselka all expressed (Continued on Paqe 9A)
their feelings that paddlings given to g
their children 1 uesdav morning In a f
high school teachei were too
severe and should noi have been
administered bv the (ear her
Ai the I hursilav meeting 1 anev
said that as a result "I a oinlinnta Jl/fjjftflyMl '
TDHR role varied, specific
This is the first in a series of ar- Cases of abuse should be reported sion
tides examining the policies and to the office in the county where the Amt
methods used by the Texas Depart- abuse takes place. In Van Zandt ual
mrnt of Human Resources in deal- County, the office is located at 202 the
ing with child abuse. South Capitol Street in Canton, one TDT
By Kerry Yancey block north of the courthouse square ual ;
Children are abused in Van Zandt and across the street from the main N'
County, just as in every county in the entrance to the First Monday Trades ual
state. It is the responsibility of Day grounds. eithe
workers in the Texas Department of The telephone number is (214) Phys
Human Resources to check out every 567-4147; a person also may call the ty in
report of abuse that comes in, just as Child Abuse Hotline toll-free, or f
it is the responsibility of every citizen 1-800-252-5400. In cases of im itch
to report abuse if they see or suspect mediate concern, one may call their blee
it. local police department, or if out- vene
According to state law, “A person side a city’s limits, the Van Zandt teen:
commits an offense if the person has County Sheriff s Department, at B<
cause to believe that a child’s (214) 567-4135. ing i
physical or mental health or welfare Over the last six months, most of to p
has been or may be further adversely the abuse cases reported have been class
affected by abuse or neglect and sexual abuse. Ms. Evans said. "I tile 1
knowingly fails to report in accor- think children have become more ual
dance with Section 34.02 of this aware of what's actually going on," peer
code (the Texas Family Code)." she noted, adding that most cases runs
Violation of the code is a Class B reported used to be about physical of at
misdemeanor, with a maximum abuse and neglect. p|
penalty of a fine and time in the “We’re not sure if sexual abuse is abus
county jail. more prevalent, or just being or w
All reports of abuse, usually refer* repotted more often,” Ms. Frost ad- in j
red to as “intake," are checked, sc- ded. "Personally. 1 feel that it’s more bruii
cording to child protective service prevalent." Sex is being used more week
specialists Jeri Beth Evans and Dixie and more often to sell products on welti
Frost, both employees at the Van televison, she pointed out. "Sexual une:
Zandt County TT)HR office in Can* attitudes have changed, and I think cigai
ton. Mark Culver is the designated the media has had a lot to do with or u;
intake worker, but all caseworkers in it." However, she added. "It to hi
the office handle reports when they definitely is being reported more." stag)
come in. both women said. They agreed that since the televi- B<
abuse include: being wary of adult
contacts; being apprehensive when
other children cry; behavioral ex-
tremes (violence or withdrawal); be
ing frightened of parents, unusually
extended stays at school, indicating
unwillingness to return home, or ac
tual reports of injury by parents.
With sexual abuse, the child often
will tell someone, most likely a
trusted adult, Ms. Evans said.
Physical abuse most likely will be
seen and reported, she said.
"Neglect is the hardest,” she noted.
‘It’s usually gone on the longest
before being reported."
Poverty is not a sign of child
abuse, both women pointed out.
"We’ll get a call, and someone will
say that a family is dirty, dirty, but
we’ve got to show proof that there is
some actual neglect of the children s
health before we get involved." Ms.
Frost said. "Kids are going to get
dirty."
Each report and each interview of
a child is different. Ms. Evans
pointed out. “Some (children) will
just spill it, and some will clam up,"
she said. "If they've been threaten-
ed, like in a sexual abuse situation,
they’re harder to talk to.”
When a report comes in, there are
a few items that need to be correct,
such as the address of the family, the
name of the family, and what is hap
pening.
(Continued on Page 9A)
Armed with a small hand net, David Goldman, It, wadea along a
drainage ditch in Myrtle Springs looking for crayfish, tadpoles and
small frogs, following the rains early in the week. He said the asms he
catches will probably become catfish bait. David is the son of Jaaaes
and Kathy Goldman of Myrtle Springs. (Photo by Kerry Yancey)
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Van Zandt News (Wills Point, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 48, Ed. 1 Sunday, May 5, 1985, newspaper, May 5, 1985; Wills Point, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1003417/m1/1/: accessed July 11, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Van Zandt County Library.