Levelland and Hockley County News-Press (Levelland, Tex.), Vol. 21, No. 65, Ed. 1 Sunday, November 14, 1999 Page: 2 of 16
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Hockley County Area Newspaper Collection and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the South Plains College.
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2-LEVEL LAND & HOCKLEY COUNTY NEWS-PRESS, Sunday, November 14,1999
Just
RambUng
With Stephen Henry
Almost everyone attending
South Plains College’s scholarship
gala Thursday night was pleasantly
surprised by K.W. Hill’s
announcement that South Plains
Bank and West Texas Trust are
going to give the foundation a
million dollar deferred plan gift.
The gift will be presented during
the bank’s Christmas open house
on Dec. 6*.
The foundation will be kicking
off a S12 million campaign and
deferred gifts will be an essential
part of the campaign. The million
dollar gift will go a long ways
toward meeting that goal.
The announcement capped a
nearly perfect evening which
included a wonderful opportunity
for fellowship, a gourmet meal and
a tremendous performance of “My
Fair Lady."
We cannot brag enough about
the evening. It was wonderful.
We salute all those involved in
planning it, preparing and serving
the meal and presenting the
musical. “My Fair Lady” is a major
undertaking which could only be
completed by dedicated, talented
people. We understand all
performances were sold out as of
the middle of last week. They
should be since it was a work of art.
We can’t help but wonder what
the college is going to do to top its
first two galas.
PHONES
continued from page 1
She hopes the new company can
start to rolling out new services
soon after the acquisition is
approved by regulatory agencies in
June or July. Those customer
oriented services would include
Caller ID and voice mail in cities
which do not have such services
yet.
Texas has the most progressive
set of jaws on the books in regard
to telecommunications and is far
ahead * of New Mexico and
Oklahoma in phone technology.
She promised that the company
will be trying to make digital
service lines affordable and more
accessible in all of its communities.
The only way the new company
can make their acquisition work is
to offer new services including high
speed data and voice lines, she
stated.
f 1
«m
Great American Smoke-out
Scream planned Thursday
?/i/&
m
_ n
MAKING HOLIDAY PLANS—Several Levelland merchants met Monday evening to disniss plan* for the
upcoming holiday season Among those attending were Lisa Brooks, the Hope Chest; Shanna Saunders, Our
Stuff; Millie Rush, American State Bank; Debra Dye, coordinator of the Main Street Program, Debbie Bean,
Sugar Bee’s; Sandy Parker, Chamber of Commerce president; Raynellc Nipper, Infinity Connection; Betty
Caddell, Marigolds President; Juneta Mitchell, American State Bank and Champion Sports, Eddie Courtney,
Eddie’s Cowboy Store, Mark Payne, Gebo’s manager, and George Keeling, Keeling Insurance and downtown
Christmas lighting coordinator. Not shown are Paul Pinkert, News-Press; and Iris Keeling, who is coordinating
jte ffPh*™^ CaSh pr0grarn bUt ^to lcave ^ A falls,ate of activities are planned for the holiday season
SCHOOL BOARD continued from page 1
McDaniel, president of South Plai- All the service centers in Texas
ns College, Randy Winfrey of will eventually be hooked together
Altura Sundown, Greg Ingham, and share information. “All of the
Levelland City Manager, and Gene superintendents will be able to com-
Hein from Houston last week, municate more efficiently.”
Altura wanted to quiet the rumors
and explain that they are going on
the sale block. There are a handful
of companies interested in the pur-
chase.
The installation should be com-
plete by next semester.
Applications are still being
reviewed for the position of assis-
tant principal at the Junior High
“Altura is a choice piece of School. Interviews will be ongoing
property,” said Martin. “There is for the next two weeks.
nothing definite except they are
going to be put on the market. They
anticipate to be sold by the first
quarter of next year. Amoco and
Shell are turning their investments
into foreign oil. They are ranked top
in the world in technology. They
are very active and very alive. They
will hopefully be sold intact.”
The biggest concern from the
sale would be loss of employees
and families from the area.
According to Martin, Altura
hopes there will be no change in
personnel in the area.
“We have been through this
before; but, everyone is different,”
Martin concluded.
The board moved onto other
items of business.
The board approved the hiring
of Melissa Newsom as an aide at
the Middle School.
Jim McConnell presented the
energy report.
Levelland I.S.D. had a record
year for energy savings. “It was the
lowest recorded since we started
this program in 1991-92. The
school spent $300,586.71 for elec-
tricity, natural gas, and water. This
was a savings of $140,568. The
school could have spent $488,117
without the energy saving program.
“This is quite an accomplish-
ment especially with the addition of
the Annex, 20,000 sq. ft. at the high
school, 1,500 computers, network-
ing system, and office equipment,”
said McConnell. “The district de-
The Academic Excellence lndi- serves a pat on the back.’
An incentive program was im-
plemented at each campus. The
campus that met their goals was
given $1,000 towards their operat-
ing budget.
The campuses that met their
goals were Capitol, Carver Learn-
ing Center, Junior High, and Mid-
cator System Report was presented.
Mark Holcomb whs very pleased
with the overall results.
- “I was very pleased with how
the teachers, students, and princi-
ples are working on this,” said
Holcomb.
This year, the TEA (Texas Ed-
ucation Agency) has added scores die School.
The test scores indicated an buildings when money becomes
increase of 10.5 points in all tests, available.
Levelland’s district finished Preliminary discussion was
with an 88.2% in reading (81.8% given on the long range facilities
last year), 90.5% in writing (88.2% plan.
intends to raise rates as soon as the
acquisition has been completed,
said the purchase was not
predicated on raising rates but in
offering new services. She said
seeking a rate increase one of the
stupidest things the company could
do would be seek a rate hike
immediately after acquiring the
properties.
She maintained that if the
company develops the products and
services its customers need and
want, they’ll buy those services.
Mrs. Bingaman stressed that the
last year), 83.9% in math (74.3%
last year), and a 74.7% over all tests
(66.8% last year).
In order to be recognized as an
academic campus, all categories
must finish with above an 80 per-
cent average. Levelland missed it
by one percent (79.9%)
The test results have also been
broken down by each campus. A
A total of $1,448,300 will be
needed to make improvements
around the district.
The high school needs
$342,000 worth of improvements.
The junior high needs $664,000 in
improvements. A total of $327,000
is needed for the Middle School.
The elementaries need $90,300.
The Annex needs $2,000. The
company’s business plan is growth copy of the results will be placed at administration building needs
oriented
Considerable time was spent
discussing DSL phone lines which
allow for rapid transmission of data
and can speed connection to the
Internet. DSL service is cheaper
than T1 lines.
As the meeting wound down,
she noted that she does not want to
over-promise what the new
company can provide without
knowing the existing system but
said existing equipment is being
analyzed. She promised improved
services but cautioned, “The longer
we’re stalled (in regulatory
agencies), the longer you are stalled
and we have a business to run. If
you have concerns, let us
She acknowledged that
has already talked to some cities
attempting to convince them to
oppose the sale.
Representing Levelland at the
meeting were City Manager Greg
Ingram, J.R. Stanley, Brett Paxton,
Gene Parkinson, Tommy Esparza
and Howard Madden.
each campus and in the public li-
brary.
An evaluation of 1998-99
district improvement plans were
given.
The first goal by L.I.S.D. is to
shorten the performance gap be-
tween the different nationalities.
“We need improvement in
closing the gap at every grade
level,” said Holcomb.
A track of the number of stu-
dents receiving scholarships was
also kept. Last year, 63 seniors
received $110,000 worth of scholar-
ships.
Another goal met, was the com-
munication with parents. “We do a
is know" 5.urvey cvcry two years,” said Mar- How can you justify operating
a lawyer COm,nuni Jfontsenrolled. Weneed^oon
cation is much better.
Due to die better lines of com-
munication, Martin felt that the
discipline was much better.
Jerry Beard discussed the
$11,000. $25,000 is needed annu-
ally to replace heating/air condition-
ing units, $10,000 annually for side-
walk replacement, $24,000 annually
for bleachers and stadium seating;
and $30,000 for football stadium
restrooms.
Martin asked the trustees to
consider the funds no later than
January. Dee Mac ha requested a
tour of the campuses before the
authorization of funds was made.
The school enrollment is down
163 children. Martin requested that
the members of the board keep in
mind the trend Levelland is taking
“If the trend continues, we will
have 300 fewer students on campus.
cer-
stu-
dents enrolled. We need' to protect
our investments and the taxpayers’
investments. It is not just figures on
paper, we want planned propress.
____ _ A financial report was given by
$50,000'grant money that L.I.S.D. Kent Boyd. The total revenue
received from the Telecommunica- showed an increase of $6 million in
tions Infrastructure Fund (TIF). The stale money. L.I.S.D. received $3.5
NEWS-PRESS
"Serving All Of Hockley County
Drawer 1098 liwfcnl, ft
79898-1808
711 AmUm 8t. (808188 « 9191
Publication No. 146-380
Published Every Wednesday
8 Sunday at 711 Auatin.
district will receive an additional
$40,000 from the Regional
^ Technology Consortium.
The school will purchase
equipment with die $90,000 that is
similar to South Plains College
telecommunications.
Levelland wants to expand their
distance learning. The school is
looking to lay a line from the high
it* tfeo
now and can earn interest on it.
Levelland is $2.7 million ahead
__________ B of last year in the budget due to the
school to the Annex building, There timely deposit from dte state
is work being done at the Annex « will not look that far ahead
right now. the rest of the year,” Boyd said.
“This is the way of the future,” The board of trustees approved
said Beard. “We will use this tech- fourbudget amendments:
no logy for more staff development 0 roovr $4,000 from the dis-
and group with the entire district.” trict utilities budget to the fora cam-
million in September, $2.5 million
in October, and will receive smaller
amounts in November and Decem-
ber.
“We have received a third of completion. It’s just a mailer of
the total budget,” explained Boyd, time for diem to finish up die
“The advantage is that we have it thousands of little things that still
_____S---- - - - * *------* am U ** ----8 La ® Ita maandfl
puses that met their energy manage-
ment savings goals
2) split $200 donated by the
Las Fidelas Study Club among the
elementary campus libraries
3) Jackie French was employed
as testing coordinator at a cost of
$10,000
4) divided the $130,000
received from TIF among the cam-
puses for computer lab supplies and
equipment and on the distance
learning lab.
The board refused the offer
made by Permian Basin Acquisition
Fund for the purchase of minerals
and royalties in the amount of
$90,842. This figure was short by
about $36,500.
A first reading was given on
policy updates encompassing
legislation that has an immediate
effect on local decision making;
vending machine policy establish-
ing vending machines shall not
interfere with the National School
Lunch Program; and policy change
that clarifies the length of assign-
ment to the Alternative Education
Program.
A vote was then taken for the
election to the Board of Directors
for die Hockley County Appraisal
District The vote was split between
Tom Hesse and Dee Macha.
REGENTS
continued from page 1
1,100 of SPC’s students transfer to
universities. Only 18 community
colleges have more students
transferring, all but one of which
has larger enrollments.
SPC’s minority enrollment is
higher than the minority
population, percentage-wise and
that more academically
disadvantaged and economically
disadvantaged students attend SPC
than are in the service area. The
service area is a 17 county area
around SPC.
Bobby James, Vice President
for Student Affairs, presented die
board with an enrollment
breakdown which showed that 1/3
of the students attending the college
are minorities. Hispanics represent
approximately 25% of the students
attending SPC. It was stated that
the college has become the school
of choice for Hispanic students
because the college works with its
students.
White students represented 67%
of the enrollment while 5% were
Black and 2% were other races.
The service area is 70% White, 7%
Blade, 21% Hispanic and 6% other.
The board approved monthly
financial reports and were advised
that die college collected $208,023
or 4.4% of the current taxes in
October. Uncollected current taxes
total $4.4 million.
Dr. Gary ‘McDaniel, President
of the college, reported dial the
roofing of Texan Dome and die
Smallwood complex is almost
completed. Broken glass panes in
the greenhouse have also been
replaced. Specifications are being
prepared for other buildings. He
said temporary repairs have been
made to all buildings and none are
causing any seriousp**
He also reported that the student
is nearly
The Great American Smoke-
Out will be held Thursday, Nov.
18* and the LeveUand school
district has scheduled several
events to increase awareness of the
danger of smoking both in young
people and their parents.
The event will climax with the
“Great American Smoke-Out
Scream’ including all of
Levelland’s elementary and Middle
School students at 1 p.m. Thursday
in Lobo Stadium.
West Preschool students will
yell at 1:15 pjs,_ Capitol
Elementary students will yell at
1:17 p.m.; Cactus Elementary
students at 1:19 pjn. and South
Elementary students at 1:21 pjn.
Middle School students will scream
out against smoking at 1:25 pjn.
Middle School students will
also be attempting to spell out
‘Don’t Smoke" on the football
field.
Everyone is invited to attend die
“Great Scream.*
Parents of all kids in
kindergarten through sixth grades
have been mailed American Cancer
Society brochures which outline the
dangers of smoking, real facts,
Texas law in regard to tobacco, and
ways to help kids make wise
decisions about smoking.
Fredna Lair, USD’s Wellness
Coordinator is handling details for
the Smok-ouL
One of die activities being held
this week is a poster contest for all
grade levels. Prizes will be awarded
at each school for the best posters.
The winning posters will be
displayed at the Administration
building beginning Thursday.
The American Cancer Society
says tobacco is the only product
that, when used daily as the
manufacturer intends, causes mass
addiction, disease and death.
The ACS maintains that tobacco
use is the single largest cause of
preventable death and disease in
Texas and maintains that tobacco
has accounted for an estimated
26,427 deaths in Texas in 1995.
That is one in every five deaths and
more than all deaths from alcohol,
AIDs, illicit drugs, homicides,
suicides, auto accidents, and fires
combined. «
While most tobacco deaths
occur in adulthood, damages beings
at the onset of smoking. Ninety
percent of adult smokers began
smoking at or before the age of 18.
The average smoker beings at
13 and is hooked at 14 1/2. For
smokeless (spit) tobacco, the
average age of regular use is 12.
Over 400,000 youth in Texas
use tobacco products and 2/3 rds of
teens who smoke report being
addicted to nicotine and can’t stop.
An estimated 10 million packs
of cigarettes are sold illegally to
minors each year. u
HOLIDAY
Lori House and Leroy Mott,
Levelland and Sundown; Lisa
Presley, Levelland; Hogue and
Collins, Sundown; Ray
Whittington, Artesia, N.M.; Rho
Lambda/LESA, LeveUand; Barbara
Morphis, Kress; Debra Weller,
LeveUand; LeveUand High School
Choir; Stay Q. Crafts, Lubbock;
Neal KJeman, Sudan; Tony and
Susan Cowan, LeveUand, Kristina
Ertner, Lubbock; Kaylees Crafts,
Etc., Shallowater; SAJ Books,
Lubbock; Ernestine Kennedy,
Abernathy; CAD Wood Crafts,
Wolflbtfo; Country In The
Country, Slaton; B-G Glass and
Shockley, LeveUand; Carrie’s
Collection, Lubbock; Lee White,
Lubbock; Rose Spears, Lubbock;
CAN Heavenly Treasures,
LeveUand; and Frances Slape,
LeveUand.
Items include numerous
different crafts, wood ornaments
for different sports, baked goods,
frozen casseroles, shelled pecans,
bird houses, china
Friday officer Jim CogdeU
arrested an 18-year-old woman for.
DWI after she drove her Blazer into
a metal vehicle stop in front of die
Town and Country convenience
store located at 102 Chibview Dr.
Larry Smith reported that one of
the front glass doors at the
LeveUand Post Office had been
shattered Thursday. He heard a
loud pop while working at the post
office and when he investigated,
found the door had been shattered.
The loss was estimated at $500.
Thursday, the city judge seat an
officer to foe Texas Workforce
Center’s GED Lab to take an 18-
year-old man into custody for
ignoring three outstanding
warrants. The man was taken
before foe judge who remanded
him to the Hockley County JaiL
Rosabeth Gilmore Kauffman
reported that someone stole 18 red
scalloped bride from around a
flower bed, 24 plastic sign letters
and two garden hoaes from 111
continued from page 1
candles, hand made bears, t-shirts,
sweat shirts, floral arrangements,
art, children’s books, decorated
gourds, angels, quilts, gourmet
foods, jewelry. Barbie furniture and
clothes, tree ornaments and much,
much more.
Christmas Cash
As holiday shopping picks up,
LeveUand merchants and local
banks are promoting Christmas
Cash. Last year the pregram
resulted in over $70,000 in no
interest loans being made and spent
with LeveUand merchants.
Christmas loans are already
being made and the LeveUand
bucks are being redeemed in local
Stores participating in the
Christmas Cash program are: A
Second Look, Atchison’s, Billy
Price Western Auto, Briggs
Gardens, Champion Sports,
Covenant Hospital, Eddie’s
Cowboy Store, EZ Pawn, Gebo’s,
Harrell Building Supply, The Hope
Chest, Higginbotham Bartlett,
News-Press, Ideal Gas, Infinity
Connection, LeveUand Floor
Covering, Lou Dee’s, MAB’s
Hodge Podge. Mary’s Antiques,
Dr. George Payne, PCS 4 P Nuts
Computers and Service, PoUy’s,
Wilson Electronics/Radio Shack,
Roy Reid Tires, Seasons of Time,
Smith South Plains, Sugar Bee’s,
Tri Care Medical, United
Supermarkets, Wal-Mart and Your
Shop.
Promotion of Christmas Cash is
underway. Details can be obtained
from the LeveUand Chamber of
Commerce or participating
financial institutions.
John Dupree
estimated at]
Drive. The loss
The Mangolds are once again
sponsoring a residential Christmas
lighting contest
Nominations will be due in the
chamber office by Dec. 5*. By the
next day, nominations will be
reduced to eight homes and
balloting will begin. Voting for die
best dressed homes will end on
Dec. 15*.
The contest is being sponsored
by Briggs Gardens and die
Marigolds.
Duwtaw Events
Plans are being made for
downtown shopping opportunities
and entertainment the first three
Thursdays in December.
The annual Marigold’s lighting
ceremony wiU be held the first
at $163.
need to be done," he raid.
He expects the college to be to
move into the building in late
December or early January. He
added that Jim McCutdnn ted been
excellent to work with.
decided to
their
wfwitwi «hH to enjoy a
A resident told officers that she a unique new program, jmgre
had been wmka« m her yard Bells Around The World" wiU be
Sunday when a large pit buU dog held foe second Thursday, Dec. 9th.
bIo foe ynd rad stated La Posada and Living Nativity
drinking from a water hoae foe was vriU be held foe fond Thursday,
using. The dog grabbed the hose Dec- ^ M .
and was trying to cany if off when Details about all of these
her «—■»»—« i—and was holiday opportunities wiU be
bitten. The mm later required reported in foe future.
infection. The dog was picked up Main StffeCt -
T“d” board to meet
mm a iptinilfjl
Street Advisory
Body Shop at 314 Ave. H.
had board wifl go into'
to discan
i
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Rigg, John. Levelland and Hockley County News-Press (Levelland, Tex.), Vol. 21, No. 65, Ed. 1 Sunday, November 14, 1999, newspaper, November 14, 1999; Levelland, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1169157/m1/2/?q=%22%22~1: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting South Plains College.