The Odem-Edroy Times (Odem, Tex.), Vol. 92, No. 47, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 25, 1999 Page: 2 of 10
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Page 2 Issue No. 47
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Thursday, November 25, 1999
State Capital Highlights
Supreme Court To Hear School-Prayer Case
Compiled by Ed Sterling
Texas Press Association
AUSTIN--
The U.S.
Supreme
Court has agreed to hear the case
of Santa Fe Independent School
District vs. Jane Doe regarding the
constitutionality of student-led
prayer in public schools.
Attorney General John Cornyn
and Gov. George W. Bush filed a
friend of the court brief on March
26 asking the court to hear the
case.
"I am optimistic that the
[Supreme] Court will protect the
First Amendment rights of stu-
dents," Cornyn said Nov. 15.
In February, the Fifth U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals in New
Orleans held that schools could
allow students to deliver prayers at
graduation as long as they are
nonsectarian and nonproselytizing,
and that even student-initiated
prayers are never permissible at
school-sponsored football games.
Cornyn said Fifth Circuit's deci-
sion "cast a cloud over the stu-
dent's right to engage in voluntary
prayer at football games."
AG Seizes Gambling Devices
The Texas Attorney General's
Office, the Texas Department of
Public Safety and local law enforce-
ment officials, last week, continued
in their quest to rid the state of ille-
gal-gambling equipment.
They worked together to seize
120 Las Vegas-style eight-liner slot
machines in Brown County and
143 in Gregg County.
"My office will work closely with
local law enforcement to vigorously
investigate and prosecute those
who violate the law," Cornyn said.
Search warrants were served
and after investigations were con-
ducted, suspects were arrested in
the counties for charges ranging
from gambling promotion, keeping
a gambling place and possession of
gambling devices and gambling
paraphernalia.
Illegal wagers and thousands of
dollars in prizes were also seized.
Lower Electricity Rates Due
Texas electric customers of
Central and South West Corp. can
expect lower rates and improved
service to result from a merger
with American Electric Power Co.
approved by the Public Utility
Commission earlier this month.
The agreement provides for spe-
cific rate reductions and service
improvements over a six-year peri-
od, PUC officials said.
CSW is based in Dallas and its
Texas operations include West
Texas Utilities Co., Southwestern
Electric Power Co. and Central
Power and Light Co. The compa-
nies serve some 988,300 customers
in Texas.
Rylander Promotes 'e-Texas'
Texas Comptroller Carole
Keeton Rylander, last week,
launched an initiative to put many
Texas government services online.
The move will make a routine
transaction, such as renewing a
license, permit or paying taxes, a
simple, electronic procedure.
"Texas government needs to be
transformed from a brick-and-mor-
tar model that closes after 5 p.m.
and on weekends, to a virtual gov-
ernment that services Texans 24
hours a day, seven days a week,"
Rylander said.
Other Highlights
• Lady Bird Johnson, 86, was
released from an Austin hospital
Nov. 13 after an overnight stay fol-
lowing a fainting spell.
• Reagan Brown, Texas agricul-
ture commissioner from 1977 to
1982, died last week of injuries suf-
fered in a tractor accident on his
Brazos County ranch. He was 78.
• Shorter days and cooler nights
I
Looking 1
From The Files Of The Odem-Edrov 1 tines
H
TEN YEARS AGO - 1989
The Scrappin' Owls have been
vicious Friday night hunters, but the
Rattlers of Sharyland slithered a vic-
tory past Odem Friday, but the
Owls' won the 10-10 bout on pene-
trations.
Officers for the Odem
Elementary PTA this year are Nancy
Skull, Jamie Parker, Vanessa Green,
Lupita Rodriguez, Anita Lunoff,
Be'cky Stalcup, Bobbie Downing,
Terry Hoverson, Tammy Nunez,
Jimmie Gipson, Lynette Tidwell,
Barbara Wilson.
A reception was held honoring
retiring San Patricio Municipal
League Manager, W.D. Buddy
Miller.
Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Pena of San
Antonio are proud to announce the
birth of a daughter, Kristin
Elizabeth. Paternal grandparents
are Leo and Agueda Pena of Odem.
signal the beginning of fall and the
start of the propane-heating sea-
son. The Texas Railroad
Commission reminds Texans to
have their propane tanks and heat-
ing appliances properly inspected
before the first signs of colder
weather.
• The Texas Commission on
Alcohol and Drug Abuse, which
oversees drug treatment and pre-
vention programs statewide, said it
will have to delay new services
because of a $28 million budget
shortage.
• On Nov. 2, voters approved a
constitutional amendment to end
property taxes on privately-leased
vehicles. But the measure won't
take effect unless the Texas
Legislature approves a law creating
the tax break during the 2001 leg-
islative session.
• Attorney General Cornyn and
actor Chuck Norris, last week, pre-
sented the Peace Officer of the Year
Award to Texas Ranger Sgt. Drew
Carter, who brought alleged serial
killer Rafael Resendez-Ramirez to
justice in July.
• Attorney General Cornyn, last
week, asked the Fifth Circuit Court
of Appeals to end Federal Judge
William Wayne Justice's 20 years of
oversight of Texas prisons.
• Last week, an animal rights
activist wearing a turkey suit stood
at a busy Austin intersection,
encouraging grocery shoppers to
skip eating turkey this
Thanksgiving and "go vegetarian."
HOROSCOPES
Nov. 28-Dec. 4
ARIES - March 21/April 20
Don’t let a run-in with an acquain-
tance ruin your good mood early in
the week, Aries. This person is in a
bad mood and is taking it out on you.
Don’t take it to heart. A close friend
has a surprise for you late in the
week. Enjoy — you deserve it. Virgo
plays an important role.
TAURUS - April 21/May 21
You have to be determined if you
want to get anything done this week.
Don’t let a few minor setbacks
discourage you. Stay focused, and
work hard. That’s how you’ll get
things accomplished. Those closest to
you admire your diligence. Cancer
plays a key role on Wednesday.
GEMINI - May 22/June 21
A close friend gets you mixed up in a
difficult situation. Remain calm, and
you’re sure to come up with a way to
get out of this mess. Don’t get too
angry with this person; he or she
doesn’t mean to get you involved.
That special someone asks you an
interesting question on Thursday.
Answer him or her honestly.
CANCER - June 22/July 22
Opportunity is knocking on your
door early in the week, Cancer. Don’t
let it slip away. This is the break
you’ve been waiting for — seize it!
A loved one has an important message
for you; listen to what he or she has
to say. It could make a world of
difference in your personal life.
LEO - July 23/August 23
Don’t back down from a challenge
during the middle of the week, Leo.
You are more than capable of handling
it. Take charge of the situation, and
show everyone how strong you really
are. Those involved will be impressed
with your efforts. You meet an inter-
esting person late in the week. Make
plans to see him or her again.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22
A lot of people are depending on
you this week, Virgo. Don’t let them
down. If you set your priorities and
stay focused on the tasks at hand,
you’re sure to get everything done. A
close friend needs a shoulder to cry
on. Be there for him or her.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23
While you -don’t want to take sides,
you’re going to have to when it
comes to an argument between two
close friends late in the week, Libra.
Listen to both sides of the disagree-
ment, and use common sense. While
a friend will be hurt, he or she soon
will understand why you made the
decision that you did.
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22
You receive a potentially lucrative
business offer this week, Scorpio.
While you’re enticed, don’t make
any hasty decisions. There’s too
much going on right now to make an
intelligent choice. Wait until things
calm down and you can think clearly.
Then, consider the offer.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21
Early in the week, you meet someone
who steals your heart. Don’t be afraid
to get to know him or her better. Just
because you’ve been hurt in the past
doesn’t mean that this person will
hurt you too. He or she definitely is
worth the effort. Scorpio plays an
important role on Friday.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20
Stand your ground when a business
associate confronts you about a deci-
sion. You know that you’re making the
right choice. Just explain your reasons
rationally, and you’re sure to win him
or her over to your side. The person
whom you’ve been seeing wants to
intensify the relationship. Say yes —
you know that this is what you want.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18
Don’t be too hasty when it comes to a
financial decision early in the week,
Aquarius. Get advice from others,
and do some research before making
your choice. It’s the only way to
ensure that you make an intelligent
decision. A loved one needs vour help
with a family matter. Do what you
can for him or her.
PISCES - Feb 19/March 20
A friend of a friend needs your- help
with a personal matter. Offer your
assistance, because you know that he
or she is too shy to ask for it. Your
efforts will be appreciated. That special
someone has a surprise for you. Enjoy!
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
NOVEMBER 28
Judd Nelson, Actor
NOVEMBER 29
Chuck Mangione, Musician
NOVEMBER 30
Ridley Scott, Director
DECEMBER 1
Carol Alt, Model
DECEMBER 2
Monica Seles, Tennis Player
DECEMBER 3
Jean Luc Godard, Filmmaker
DECEMBER 4
Jeff Blake, Football Player
FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY
Twenty-three Odem families,
who thought they wouldn't have
Thanksgiving dinner this year were
greeted with generous baskets of
food Nov. 22. Several members of
the community, Jobie Fleck, Doug
Bass,Tom Emery, Rodney Dillon and
Michelle Thornton delivered the
baskets door to door in the families
that Neighbors in Need chose by
their applicatons. Baskets were
delivered in a truck donated by
Geneva Jackson of Odem.
TWENTY YEARS AGO - 1979
Finalists in the Voice Of
Democracy Scriptwriting contest at
Odem High School were Beth
Sherman, Lela West, Dario Bargas,
Dede Grozier, Esmeraldo Roblez,
Ernest Aleman, Nancy Oelschlegel
and Dewey Keeton.
Jerry Thomas was winner of a
Remington .12 gauge shotgun given
away by the Odem Lions Club at the
Halloween Carinval.
Rev. John Flowers said farewell to
his congregation of more than 2
years Sunday and will move to
Austin to pastor the Oak Hill United
Methodist Church. Taking over the
Odem pastorship will be Rev.Kent
Kepler of Hebbronville.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert McCown
enjoyed Thanksgiving in the home
of their son Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie
McCown in Sinton. They made the
acquaintance of their new grand-
son, Stevenson.
The Editor's Point of View...
Jennifer Johnson-Dust
This time of year is one of my favorites...family getting together for
the holidays, giving thanks for the many things God has given us and
most of all, food. If your family is like mine, they make every sort of
dish known to man-from green bean casserole to pumpkin pie to
candied sweet potatoes to homemade macaroni and cheese.
This year, like those before, the women in the family will gather in
the kitchen and slave over a hot stove (well not really, but we pretend
we do) to produce the best meal ever eaten. As we cook, we'll visit,
catching up on each other's events that have unfolded since the last
time we gathered as a family.
Because my family has always been so close, we honestly enjoy get-
ting together. We all put aside any family conflicts that may have sur-
faced to celebrate the holidays and give thanks for just being together.
Many people forget that Thanksgiving is just for that...giving
thanks. It seems to me that in many families, the meaning of the holi-
day has gotten lost throughout the years. For some reason or another,
the focus has, to some, become not the holiday, but the chance to eat,
lay around the house and watch football.
Don't get me wrong, my family loves all of those, too. But let's
remember that this is the one time of the year that, as a nation we
should be thankful for all we have...forgetting the hardships we may
have encountered during the year.
jen
I would like to also take this time to reflect on this past week...it
has been very sad, to say the least--the automobile accident which
took the lives of the two Martinez children from Sinton, the bonfire
tragedy in College Station and the automobile accident in Houston
that claimed the lives of the siblings from Corpus Christi.
With those events in mind, I want to stress that we never know
when the good Lord will take us from the Earth. We must, everyday,
remember to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us; never go
to bed angry with someone we love; and most importantly, live each
day to its fullest.
My heart and prayers go out to the family members who have lost
loved ones this week. But know, the good Lord will take care of all.
\j£d J
Sy ^oJin/2/e
Sue /3////e/on
This has been a sad, sad week. Starting with the
tragic death of the two beautiful little Martinez
boys here in Sinton, news of the bonfire tragedy in College Station
and the death of Lucas Kimmel of Corpus Christi, and the deaths of
Juan and Elizabeth Blanco brother and sister, also from Corpus, who
died in a horrible wreck in Houston yesterday.
News like that weighs heavily on the heart and soul of all of us.
Our sympathy goes to the families of these young people.
—jsl—
I got an anonymous letter today saying I should stick to
writing about book reports, garage-sale finds and grandchildren.
The writer said that I wrote of "anonymous" complaints on small
businesses. But, they were not anonymous. I know who complained
and I am very familiar with the store they complained about. I have
no desire and would take no joy in giving the name of these stores.
If the Pettus woman writes her letter as she promised, we will print
it, with her name and the name of the store, if she gives it.
Far from trying to discourage small business in Sinton, I would
hope everyone would look inward and see if they are turning away
customers by being rude.
I should have stated last week that no one with any common
sense would take an unruly child or children into a retail shop or
any kind and turn them loose. Of course they should be watched
and corrected. And the store owner should indeed step in if things
go awry.
But you see I've never taken children into this store, and as I
said, I have been soundly ignored. I don't have much money, but it
is legal tender. The only reason I felt qualified to write about it was
because I had experienced it.
The writer also said that I obviously have no idea how hard it is
to run a small business in Sinton.
I was raised by my mother and grandparents next door to the
small retail grocery store that fed and clothed me as a child.
My husband and I made our living and raised three children
from a small business for 37 years, until his death in 1995.
I know exactly what it takes.
—jsl—
Everyone have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. I will be thankful
for good books, garage sales, grandchildren, freedom of the press,
free enterprise and free speech for everyone.
P.O. Drawer B • 113-117 S. Rachal Ave. • Sinton, Texas 78387 • (361)364-1270
TA
1999
TEXAS PRESS
ASSOCIATION
JAMES F. TRACY, JR.
JOHN HENRY TRACY
Co-Publishers
HELEN S. TRACY
Publisher Emeritus
JENNIFER JOHNSON - DUST
Editor
LARA RICHARDS
Associate Editor
DEBBIE DENNY
Advertising-Sales
ATANISLAO ACOSTA, JR.
Graphic Designer
KATHRYN TURNER
Bookkeeper
SOVEIDA PEREZ
Asst. Bookkeeper
PRODUCTION STAFF:
Dale Andrews
Plant Superintendent
Mark Castillo,
Shawn Castillo
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Johnson-Dust, Jennifer. The Odem-Edroy Times (Odem, Tex.), Vol. 92, No. 47, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 25, 1999, newspaper, November 25, 1999; Sinton, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1052682/m1/2/: accessed June 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Odem Public Library.