Electra Star-News (Electra, Tex.), Vol. 91, No. 13, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 13, 1997 Page: 2 of 18
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J
By Mrs. H.C. Clubb
IS
t«l+
City
Continued FYom Page One
*
By Terry Holbert
To The Editor
*
mix
£
Nonetheless, most Texans also
Honest, open government is the
the Optimist House at 518 N.
BS
Shop
Electra
First
Letter To The Editor
The Truth
I am writing this letter to both
of our papers in order toclear up
Thank You
B.J. Hughes
& Optimist members
When does a government em-
ployee or a public official have a
right to keep secrets from the people
who pay his or her salary9 My an-
swer is “Almost never ”
Most citizens understand there
doing In fact, there are other rea-
sonable “exceptions” to the require-
ment of open government, such as
Thanks,
Marvin Holmes
Public Safety, in its effort to follow
the new law, refused to release in-
formation regarding that accident.
The Judgment; The Blackstone
Chronicles. Childrens: Clay-
boy; Sam and the Tigers; Verdi;
The Library; Betcha! D.W.
the Picky Eater; Library Lil,
ter; Book of Giants and Lit
tie People; The Christmas We
Moved to the Barn; Rapunzel;
Halloween Bugs Me! Elevator
The state Supreme Court, in what
we believe was a good faith dis
agreement, rejected our ruling, and
reading the law very literally, said
gathering ideas and trailers for
the project. All the kids who
Troop 30
Cathy Alexander, Leader
'"'’’A
We usually don’t respond
or comment to letters to the
editor, but feel an answer is
needed to a letter this week that
asks a question concerning facts
published in a recent issue. The
question relates to the cost of
the Main Street Program to the
City of Electra.
It is a fact that the 1995-
96 budget for the City of
Electra allocated 525,977 lor
Main Street. The City was not
selected in 1995-96 so these
funds were not spent for this
purpose.
It is a fact that the 1996-
97 budget for the City of
Electra allocates 525,975 for
Main Street. The City was
selected in 1996-97, and is
thereby obligated to fund the
program for 1996 97 and two
additional years.
These facts have been duly
reported on several occasions
in this newspaper. These facts
do not in any way detract from
any impact that the Main Street
But that disagreement can serve as
an opportunity for all of us to look
or renewing, please call 495-
3884.
Jeannette and Teddle Miller, Publishers
Ann Wright, Composition
Teannette Miller, Photographer
Published Thursday of each week at 207 North Waggoner.
Mailing Address Is P.O. Box 1192, Electra, Texas 7B360.
Second class postage Is paid at Electra, Texas. Electra
Star-News entered at Post Office at Electra, Texas, March
■26, 1953. The Electra Star entered at the Post Office at
lElectra, Texas, April 2, 1921. The Electra News on August
§2, 1907 under the Act of Congress on March 1, 1879. Annual
jSubscrlptlon rates are $12.00 in Wichita and Wilbarger
^Counties, $14 00 elsewhere In Texas; $18.00 anywhere elsel
fin the United States. |
program is for all ages. Every-
one come join the fun.
We have Story time lor ages 2-
5 on Tuesday mornings at 10:30
every week.
Books shelved this week: The
Tender Years; locate anyone James kept us informed on the
latest advancements in science
and great cornbread recipes
of a country vet; Sinatra, Be-
hind the Legend; Dean Koontz:
A Writer’s Biography; Faces James,
of the Visitors; Care of the
Soul; The Seven Spiritual Laws
for Parents; Ultimate Guide
to Pets; Scholarships, Grants,
Fellowships and Endowments.
Audios: Life Support; The
Angel of Darkness; The Pres-
ence; Missing Pieces; A Thin
who is or has been in the mil-
itary; Find anyone fast; An-
gels along the way; The life from the newspapers. We’ll miss
his comments on the world's
current events. Rest in peace
National Children’s Book Wee Dark Line; Dead in the Watch;
is Nov. 17-22. We have a few ac-
tivities planned at the Library
during this week. Starting on
van once used for rescue vehicle Monday 17 we will have a story -
to Harrold Volunteer Fire De-
partment and First Responders
for 525
Sylvania Hasheome and AnZ
nett Baker of Vernon visited
Flo Campbell one day last weeks.
Mr. and Mrs. W.E. BrowjJ*
visited Christy Brown and.*
Gertrude Tirey in Wichita Falls
Saturday.
Glad to report Sam Kelly
got out of the Electra hospital
Monday. Hope you’re feeling
better Sam.
Mr. and Mrs. Don Gilmore 1
visited Mrs. Willie Brashear in
Vernon she celebrated her 90th
birthday October 25th.
Dorothy Clubb and Patsy
Matthews and Becky Clark of
Electra visited Helen Johnson
in Parkland hospital in Dallas,
Texas Monday.
Carla Oakley, celebrated her
16th birthday Tuesday Novem-
ber 4th. Happy Birthday Carla.
Check Us Out!
Wanted
interested in hiking, camping,
cooking and learning about
the great outdoors. Come learn
and achieve awards and self-
esteem.
Boy Scout Troop 40 is looking
Cub Scout Scoop
Troop 40 News
Boys 11 to 15
ELECTRA STAR-NEWS,THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13. 1997 PAGE TWO
.--.-.w- ~ ____...... • . _ — ——
The Other Side Of The News
________ By Jeannette Miller
On Tuesday night we sat
through a three and a half
hour marathon session of the
City Commissioners. At least
three of the 25 items under con-
sideration were tabled for fur-
ther information. One ordinance
was adopted on an emergency
basis to take effect six weeks
from now. Three hours into
the meeting it was hurry up
and get finished. The announce-
ments and comments item, num -
ber 24, was completely skipped
over and questions left unasked
and therefore unanswered.
Program may have on the City
and its future. They are simply
basic facts pertaining to the
issue.
The city administrator is
in New Brunsfels for two
days attending a workshop for
Main Street this week. An
advertisement has been placed
seeking a director for the
program. So — we can safely
assume some of these budgeted
funds are already being spent.
and we encourage everyone to
support the district and vote in
favor of the bond issue.
On a personal note this week
we have a special birthday
greeting for a very special per-
son — our daughter, Teannette,
who we never get tired of bring-
ing you news about, will cel-
ebrate her 21st birthday on
Wednesday, Nov. 19. Happy
Birthday, Teannette. We love
you and are very proud of you
and all your accomplishments!
MH
£
Before we run out of space
this week we want to bring show
you the outline for the Clayco
Number One Christmas orna-
ment the Preservation Commit-
tee of the Chanber of Commerce
is selling to benefit the Grand
Theatre. We have the ornaments
at the chamber office, the news-
paper office and the oil company
office next door to the newspa-
per. In other words, call Dawn,
Jeannette or Sherry!
Also, on loan from local
historian Lloyd Jones is an
original photograph of the
historic oil well. Compare the
ornament to the photograph
at the newspaper office. The
ornaments are 520 or if mailed,
S25.
information on the electric rates,
and on the sales tax election.
There is a lot going on at
City Hall. If you have specific
questions about any of these
activities or about any of the
information contained in our
stories about city government,
let us know. We will try to find
the answers for you.
Don’t forget to vote Saturday.
Exercise your right as a resident
of the school distript. EISD is
very important to all of us,
for you if these things interest
you. Come to United Methodist
Church every Monday night
from 7 to 8 p.m.
To join the fun or for
more information call Scott and
Tammy Schlegel, 495- 2690.
Letter To The Editor
The Electra Optimist Club
wishes to thank “The Electra
Star News’’ for excellent front
page coverage on “Teen Haunt
Scarefest 97’’. The Video Elec-
tra and Optimist Club wish to
thank every kid, parent, video
store employee and Optimist
member for their support and
help in the Haunted House. A
to
Kay Thompson for getting a con-
tract agreement with the Op-
timist Club anti the kids. This
w'as the hard work as the club
and Video Store w'orked on a
successful package to benefit
the kids of Electra.
The kids did a wonderful
job of using their creativity
and desire for a goal of a
pizza party and a movie.
The kids work hard to make
Santa Kids House and other
youth activities possible for
themselves and other children
throughout our town as they
volunteer their time and effort.
The kids already have the
Christmas parade floats in
progress for the November 29
of the hotel-motel occupancy
tax monies, board to include
one representative from each of
the following: Chamber of Com-
merce, Downtown Electra As-
sociation, Downtown Improve-
ment Association, Electra In-
dustrial Foundation and Beta
Sigma Phi
* Approved purchase of a
pickup for the electrical depart-
ment from Buddy Chevrolet at
a cost of $16,314.04 plus $350
delivery charge
* Heard Herbie Adams of
Downtown Electra Association
express appreciation for Main
Street support
* Agreed for the City Admin-
istrator to st hours for the con-
HARROLD
NEWS
some facts about Main Street
Program. I quote one paper:
“ The Main Street Program
doesn’t cost the city nor the
home ow'ners any money.’’ I
now quote the other paper:
“In anticipation of receiving
Main Street designation, city
officials included a total of
$25,975 in thef 1997-98 budget,
with similar provisions for the
next two budget years 1998-
1999 and 1999-2000.
The budget for 1997-98 calls
for $13,072 for salary and
$12,900 for supplies. Salary is
based on a part time position for
director’’.
If the latter paper is correct
where would the money come
from if not from the city or
home owners?
I encourage both papers to
respond for the benefit of us that
really don’t know.
In another recent instance, our of- The preamble of the Opep
fice was asked by a non-profit orga- Records Act (since renamed tlje
nization whether the phone records Public Information Act) says it bes£, »
” ", " t were “It is the policy of this state that eadli
passed a bill making public informa- open to the public according to the person is entitled, unless otherwise
tion about traffic accidents harder to Texas Public Information Act expressly provided by law, at a|J
We drew on a number of court times to complete information about
cases which made a distinction be- the affairs of government and the
were being harassed the telephone records that were sub
I he effort to protect pnvac> was ject to the request were adnitmvtr.i
well intended but it treated a real roe in nature not judiual
Secrets and good government don’t
By DAN MORALES
Texas Attorney General
to deal with the “ambulance chas-
ers” without infringing an the No one is excluded from that oblr-
employees should never forget that public’s right to know. We support gation, not presidents or governors
we work for the public, to benefit that effort. or attorneys general or judges
the public, and we should expect our In another recent instance, our of- The preamble of the Opep
work to be subject to public scru- f*
tiny. i
Last spring, the Texas Legislature of the Texas Supreme Court
have a film, popcorn and drink
starting at 2:40-3:10 and SUS-
SES. On Thursday 20th we
will have “Fun with Science’’
from 2:40 to 3:10 and 3:15-3:45.
There will be a few experiments First Contact; The Preacher’s
that you can do yourself .Every Wife; The Associate; The Lost
World; A Family Thing; The
'Evenmg Star;'The Ghost and
the ^qriincss.
On A Personal Note: James
Cargile passed away November
1st and left a void in the library.
time from 2:40-3:10 and SUS-
SES. The kids will get to pick Red Bird at Rockafeller Cen 41
their own book and reader. On
Tuesday 18 we will have an-
other storytime with Tom Med-
ley from 2:40-3:19 and 3:15-
3:45. On Wednesday 19 we w'ill Magic; Just Enough Carrots;
Down Comes the Rain.
Videos shelved this week: The
Sw-an Princess-Escape from Cas
tie Mountain; Anna Belle’s
Wishes; Dear God; Star Trek-
CLAYCO #1 ELECTRA - TEXAS
__________APRIL 1,1911
Dear Editor
The Girl Scouts would like
to say thank you for all the
donations of can goods to help
the Electra Food Bank.
We also are working on
magazine sales at this time. If
Items tabled from two weeks )’QParc interested in purchasing
ago for this meeting did not
appear on the agenda Perhaps
the taxpayers of Electra would
be better served by more
meetings with briefer agendas.
Evidently the items tabled did
not require immediate attention.
We hesitated to comment on
the lengthy agenda and the
time consumed for fear it w’ould
lead to less information being
provided at the meetings and
more decisions being left to
administrative policy.
In depth reporting of any one
item on the agenda is made
almost impossible when trying
to bring all 25 to our readers
in a timely fashion. Hopefully special thanks needs to go
next week we will have more
venience center
* Approved a tournament
Schedule proposed for the golf J3urchctt of Fort Worth, and
course . Joann Neville of Wichita Falls
* Agreed to increase the price Spent the weekend with Mr.
of cemetery lots from $200 to and Mrs. Daniel Tamez and
$300 effective January 1 Dorothy Clubb.
* Approved storage and dis-
posal of Christmas lights as
needed
* Tabled agenda item pertain-
ing to “signage’’ for city facil-
ities
* Tabled participation in Toys
for Tots and Santa’s Toy Box
pending further information
* Approved transfer of old
Sammy Weaver of Burkbur-
nett visited Flo Campbell Mon-
day.
Lesley Moore of Vernon
visited Fred Zipperly one day
last week.
Gaye Bowles of Archer City
spent tjie weekend with Mrs.
Melvin Pate.
Sandra, Bill and Melina
Lucas of Sherman spent the
weekend with Mr. and Mrs.
David Foster.
Mrs. Mary Ann Schoppa and
Betty Neisler of Electra visited
Stephanie and Debra Lyon in
Fort Worth last week.
Howard Shannon, and Hazel
get. The problem they were trying
to fix was a legitimate one. Many
people felt that certain profession- tween the court records of the judi- official acts of~public officials and
als were engaged in “ambulance ciary, which are excluded, and the employees The people, in delegat-
cident reports and then calling ciary, which are not, in our view ex-
people who had suffered severe in- eluded from the Act We ruled that
juries m these accidents in order to
On Oct. 27, Pack 40 had On Nonday, Nov. 10, the
a booth at the Halloween scouts made Christmas Cards
Carnival. They want to thank for prison inmates. Annual Pop-
everyone involved in organizing corn Sale has ended. Thanks to
the carnival and those who everyone who made a purchase
slopped by our booth. or placed an order.
QHtrtra
gptnr -
PUBLISHING CO. INC.
USPS NO. 171-3470
**********
obstacle to the public’s right to
know In one case, the mayor of a
Texas city and his wife were in-
volved in a car crash that involved a
fatality The Texas Department of that all of their records were exempt
and they had no intention ot releas
ing any of them
It will surprise no one that law
Several Texas news organizations yers disagree. We interpret the law
are times when government secrecy challenged the law. and for good rea- differently than the Supreme Court
is required, such as in cases involv- son. They understood that it inter-
ing national security or investiga- fered with their right to know, and
tions to determine criminal wrong consequently, the public’s right to beyond differing interpretations qt I
know the law We must never lose sight oi & I
As Thomas Jefferson once wrote, the spirit of our open government E
“Our liberty depends on the freedom laws which articulate a moral obti*
the protection of personal records of of the press, and that cannot be hm- gation for Texas government to op1
parade. The Optimist Club is children who attend public schools, ited without being lost.” erate openly m the light of day We
The Texas Daily Newspaper As- must never lose sight of the plain
understand that the principle of open sociation and the Texas Press Asso- truth that darkness breeds secrets •
want to help are urged to be at government is more than a good ciation want the Texas Legislature
idea. It is a bedrock principle of our to revisit this issue and find a way essential obligation of every person
Main on Monday November 17 democracy. Those of us who serve to deal with the “ambulance chas- whose salary is paid by tax dollars.
at 5 p.m. as public officials and government
Santa Kids House is also
underway along with develop-
ment of projects all the way
through the summer months.
Plans are being made to con-
tinue the Haunted House next
year and make it bigger, better,
with more adults and help from
the community.
als were engaged in “ambulance ciary, which are excluded, and the employees The people, m delegat-
chasmg” by scrutinizing public ac- administrative records of the judi- mg authority, do not give their pub-
lic servants the right to dec ide wfiai
is good for the people to know anti
while the judiciary was clearly what is not good tor them to know
solicit their business These victims granted an exemption under the Act. The people insist on remaining in
formed so that they may retain <. on
(fol over tfie instruments ihev h.o<
i re.ited
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Electra Star-News (Electra, Tex.), Vol. 91, No. 13, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 13, 1997, newspaper, November 13, 1997; Electra, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1234344/m1/2/: accessed July 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Electra Public Library.