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In the Heart of the Blackland Divide

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Roscoe Baseball Teams Advance to State Tournament

The Freshman League Astros. (Photo by Rick Salazar)

Two Roscoe little league teams, the Astros (ages 10-12) and the Tigers (ages 9 and under) will advance to the State Tournament. The Astros will play in Presidio and the Tigers in Bangs with competition for both starting on July 20. Both teams will play two games a day, and teams that lose twice are eliminated. The tournament will last all that week.

The Astros, whose record in the Colorado City league is 9-3, are coached by Kenny Hope, Billy Murphy, and KC Hope.

The Midget League Tigers. (Photo by Rick Salazar)
The Tigers have an 8-4 record in their league. They are coached by Chris Hall, Brian Bankhead, and Steven Rains. 

The teams are raising money for the trip by doing some kind of fundraiser every weekend until then. They will also have a booth downtown and one at the Plowboy Mudbog during the July 4th celebration.

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FREE MOVIES AT COMMUNITY CENTER SELECTED FOR  TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Next Tuesday, June 30, two free movies will be shown at the Roscoe Community Center and everyone is invited. Guests are welcome to bring their own bean bags or chairs or sit in the ones provided at the Community Center.

The movies are free, but don’t forget to bring some money for snacks as the concession stand will be open.


The first movie, starting at 7:00pm, will be Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, and Owen Wilson. The second movie, starting at 9:00pm, is Black or White, starring Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer.

For more information, contact Community Center Director Gail Presley at 325-518-4135.

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PROPHETS & OUTLAWS AT LUMBERYARD FRIDAY EVENING

Prophets & Outlaws
Prophets & Outlaws, a Southern Rock band with soul, will be at the Lumberyard Friday evening. The band, which has built up a following throughout Texas and Oklahoma, has a passion for the Blues while embracing their country roots.

Nine Mile Mountain will play on Saturday night. For more information and reservations, contact the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

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WEATHER REPORT: SUNNY AND DRY

This aerial photo by David Duncan shows just how green the Roscoe area is.
The weather this past week was more in line with what you’d generally expect of west Texas this time of year, i.e., sunny skies with scattered summer clouds, gentle to breezy south winds, and warm to hot temperatures. The recent rains have caused the humidity to still be higher than usual, but even it is dropping day by day into a range more normal for this region.

The effects of the recent rains are also still with us in other ways. Mosquitos are everywhere, and many of them are Texas-sized. There are also a lot of baby frogs hopping around here and there. The dry weather of the past week, however, allowed farmers to get most of their cotton planted, and the little plants just coming up look strong and healthy. Lawns around town are also looking nicer as residents have been able to mow their grass.

Temperatures have been consistent for the past six days, with highs ranging from Thursday’s 90°F to Saturday’s 87°, and lows from Friday’s 71° to yesterday morning’s 67°. The forecast is for more of the same with afternoon temperatures rising two or three degrees over what we had this past week. Conditions on Saturday will drop temperatures a few degrees and bring a 20%-30% chance of precipitation for that day and evening. Otherwise, it should once again be sunny, partly cloudy, and dry with little to no chance for rain.

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† ARLON WAYNE ORMAN, JR.

Funeral services were held at 2:00pm yesterday at the First Baptist Church for Arlon Wayne “Arlo” Orman, 86, who passed away in his home on Friday, June 19. Military graveside services followed at the Roscoe Cemetery.

Arlo was born on November 21, 1928, in Beeville, Texas, and lived in Roscoe most of his life. He was a graduate of Roscoe High School and a lifelong member of First Baptist Church. He was a farmer in Nolan County for at least 62 years. He was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Korean War. He was a past member of the Roscoe Lions Club, an avid domino player, loved to tell jokes and was one who never met a stranger. Arlo loved his family and his church, never missing Sunday School in over 40 years.

Survivors include his wife, Janelle Orman of Roscoe; three children, Janice Stuart of Sweetwater, Lonnie Orman and his wife, Leola, of Roscoe; and Arlene Hartman of Sweetwater; seven grandchildren, Tammy Stracener of Sweetwater, Dustin Orman of Roscoe, Christianson Hartman of Roscoe, Angela Stuart of Sweetwater, Eden Baker of Roscoe, Landon Orman of Roscoe, and Jacoby Johnson of Gun Barrel City, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren, Austin Freeman, Justin Gardner, Kolby Evans, Jacie Baker, Elyn Baker, Charlie Arlon Hartman and Scarlett Hartman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlon, Sr., and Grace Kate (Duncan) Orman, a brother, Floyd Orman, and several uncles and cousins.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The Rains Just Keep Coming

If this weather keeps up, this year could well go down in local history as The Year It Rained. This past week, we’ve had three or four light rains and one heavy one, which came on Saturday night and dropped between 1.5 and 3 inches over the Roscoe area.  Here in town, people I talked to reported getting between 1.7” and 2.25”.  Kenny Landfried's official total was 1.71'.

Roscoe didn’t get anything on Friday, but one person told me he got three-quarters of an inch south of town, forcing him to postpone planting cotton.

On Sunday, it rained again in amounts ranging from .6” west of town to just a tenth or so east of town with the official total .31". Then yesterday in two showers, I had a total of .22", while Kenny Landfried had an official total of .24".  I don’t know what others got yesterday, but enough has fallen this past week that no one is complaining about a lack of moisture, and we may not be done yet.

Many, but not all, farmers say they’ve got their cotton planted. Some are still waiting for their fields to dry up, and others who have planted have enough water standing in places to drown the cotton that was just coming up.  Even so, the general mood is upbeat, and people are smiling. Many of those with cattle talk of building up their herds since there is an abundance of grass.

The warmest temperatures came last week before the rains came. On Wednesday, it got up to 92°, on Thursday 93°, and on Saturday 90°.  The highs for all the other days were in the eighties with yesterday’s 81° the lowest maximum for the week. Lows ranged from the mid-sixties to the low seventies.

The best chance of rain for the coming week is this afternoon with forecasters giving us a 40% chance of more precipitation.  That drops to 20% tomorrow and 10% on Saturday, when standing water should be evaporating and people able to mow their lawns once again. High temperatures should range from today’s projected 79° to Sunday and Monday’s 89°. Lows will be around 70° all week.

Tropical storm Bill has made landfall and will most likely dump a lot more rain on places east of us, but we are unlikely to get much, if anything, from it.  Maybe it’s just as well.

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NOLAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, ROSCOE POLICE STOP COPPER THEFT FROM MARYNEAL

The Chevy Tahoe with the copper roll on top.

Just about the time the big storm was blowing in on Saturday night, Roscoe Police received a call about a suspicious vehicle in the ditch on FM 608 at CR 105 about four miles south of Roscoe. Police Chief Felix Pantoja went out to investigate and found a white Chevy Tahoe with a huge roll of copper on top of the vehicle. The driver, wearing a company uniform and hard hat, told him that he’d had a blowout while on his way to deliver the copper to the company yard in Sweetwater.

Pantoja tried to contact someone from the company who could verify the driver’s story, but was unable to reach anyone at that late hour. Pantoja took the man’s name, Vicente Vargas, which matched the name on his company shirt and hard hat, and took photos of him and the vehicle. In the meantime, Vargas, 48, called for a tow truck and had the Tahoe towed to the Stripes station in Roscoe. Then, since Pantoja had no grounds to hold him, he released him.

The next morning, Lynn Turner, who lives not far south of the location where the Tahoe's blowout occurred, phoned the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office to report a large pile of scrap metal and several tools by his barn. Sheriff’s deputies along with Pantoja went out to investigate, and as they were doing so, Pantoja noticed the white Chevy Tahoe with the copper spool still on top of it going south on FM 608 toward Maryneal. The Sheriff’s deputies then stopped the driver, and upon contacting the company, learned that he had been fired in May but the company had not taken back his company shirt and hard hat.

Nolan County Sheriff’s officers then arrested him for felony theft of precious metal and booked him into the Nolan County Jail.

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RCHS STUDENTS WIN HONORS AT STATE 4-H ROUNDUP IN COLLEGE STATION

Roscoe 4-H students show off their ribbons won at the State Roundup in College Station.
Roscoe Collegiate students participating in the Nolan County 4-H recently attended the State 4-H Roundup in College Station and returned home with many honors in the Science, Engineering & Technology Competition sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Senior division

Microbiology
1st - Juan Sanchez, Olivia Saddler, Samantha Ortega

Animal Science

1st - Ray Bohall
2nd - Spencer Little
3rd - Aaron Thomas

Intermediate Division

Animal Science
2nd - Joshua Stegge and Alfonso Islas

Plant Science
2nd - Jaci Alexander and Jaleigh Morales

State Best

1st - Juan Sanchez, Olivia Saddler, Samantha Ortega
3rd - Ray Bohall

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COMMUNITY CENTER ANNOUNCES FREE MOVIE EVENINGS STARTING NEXT TUESDAY

Starting next Tuesday, June 23, free movies will be shown at the Roscoe Community Center and everyone is invited. Guests are welcome to bring their own bean bags or chairs or sit in the ones provided at the Community Center. The first movie will be shown at 7:00pm and be followed by a second one at 9:00pm.

And although the movies are free, don’t forget to bring some money for snacks as the concession stand will be open.


The two movies to be shown next Tuesday are the animated film Penguins of Madagascar, followed by McFarland USA starring Kevin Costner.


For more information, contact Community Center Director Gail Presley at 325-518-4139.

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TOMMY HOOKER, TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS AT LUMBERYARD THIS WEEKEND

Another big weekend is planned for the Lumberyard with two great bands. On Friday night, Tommy Hooker will play in Roscoe for the first time, and on Saturday, the Turnpike Troubadours will also make their Lumberyard debut.

Tommy Hooker
Tommy Hooker labels himself a “Lifelong Singer and Musician of Real Texas Dancehall Music.” Born in 1953 in Arkansas and raised in Pecos, he began performing in 1967 in his brother’s band in Alpine.  He played in bands in Monahans, Fort Stockton, and Alpine before moving to Dallas and playing in clubs there. In 1981, he formed the Tommy Hooker Band and played throughout west Texas. Now, he is a regular act at Pearl’s Dancehall and Saloon in the Fort Worth Stockyards, where he packs the house. He plays traditional Texas Honky Tonk and Western Swing music made for dancing.

The Turnpike Troubadours
On Saturday night, the “Red Dirt” Turnpike Troubadours will be the Lumberyard’s featured act. Originally from Oklahoma, they were influenced by Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland but have developed their own sound. From their Oklahoma beginnings, they have worked their way up from small clubs to sellout crowds in such major music venues as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, the Firehouse Saloon in Houston, and Antone’s in Austin. They have three studio albums: Bossier City, Diamonds & Gasoline, and Goodbye Normal Street. Popular singles include “Before the Devil Knows We’re Dead” and “Gin, Smoke, and Lies,” which you can listen to by clicking here.

For more information and reservations, contact the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Mayor, Two Council Members Sworn in for New Terms

City Attorney Zollie Steakley swears in Ken Brawley, Pete Porter, and Robert McBride.


At last night’s monthly City Council meeting at City Hall, Mayor Pete Porter and two Council Members, Ken Brawley and Robert McBride, were sworn in and began new terms.  The Mayor’s term is for four years, and Council Members’ are for two.

The Council also appointed Ken Brawley as Mayor Pro-Tem and heard a request from Feliciana Campa about a persistent water leak at 301 N. Cypress.  It also received reports from City Manager Cody Thompson and Roscoe Police Chief Felix Pantoja.

Thompson reported that with the recent dry weather the City has begun patching the potholes in City streets while also dealing with water and sewer problems. City workers have also been mowing grassy areas around town.  One of the emergency sirens has been repaired, and a new sewer tap is being made for the new restroom in the Fire Department building.

Plans are underway for re-opening the old truck stop just west of town on the south side of I-20, and the new owners have made inquiries about the availability of City sewer lines.  The City can put in a small lift station and by boring under I-20 connect with the lift station by the new STEM building.  An estimate on the price for the new owners is being made.

Water and sewer improvements are being put together for bidding within the next thirty to sixty days. The remaining water funds will be used for boring and leak repair.

The City will receive a supply of mosquito spray on Friday and will begin spraying around town next week.

The City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July.

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CITY SWIMMING POOL OPENING TOMORROW

A broken pump has caused the City Pool to be closed.
It’s been a rough start for the City Swimming Pool this summer. The pool was ready for opening on May 30, but after one day of operation prior to opening, one of the pumps burned up, and, as it was original with the pool, it couldn’t be replaced with a new one because no new ones could be found that would fit.

So, the old pump had to be sent to Lubbock to be rebuilt. However, it is back now and has been re-installed, so the pool is once again operational and will be open for business starting tomorrow.

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PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Cody Canada & the Departed are the featured band for the free concert and street dance.
With only a little more than three weeks left until July 4, organizers are busy making sure everything is ready in downtown Roscoe for another blockbuster celebration of our nation’s independence.

The format will be similar to those of years past. Here’s the schedule for the day:

10am                                  Parade (line-up at 9:30)

10am-6pm                       Roscoe Historical Museum

10am-10pm                     Vendors open

10am-7pm                        Kids area open

12pm-finish                     Plowboy Mudbog (baseball field)

1pm-5pm                          Free Swimming at City Pool

12pm-9:30pm                 Music / Free Concerts

6pm-8pm                         Nine Mile Mountain (street dance)

8:pm-9:30pm                 Cody Canada and the Departed

9:30-10pm                       Fireworks Show

It’s not too early to begin making plans now to enjoy the day in historic downtown Roscoe.  Bring yourself, family, friends, folding chairs, coolers, and whatever else you need to celebrate another great July 4!

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TWO RCHS STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN NASA AEROSPACE PROJECT

RCHS students Cassandra Chavira and Jasmine Chavira will travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center this summer to participate in the High School Aerospace Scholars project.  Nominated by their state legislator, the Chaviras are two of 2700 high school juniors across Texas to be a part of the project.

Selected students completed eight web-based assignments during the school year and will apply their newfound knowledge to work as a team to design a mission to Mars. The onsite experience at NASA includes a tour of Johnson Space Center (JSC) facilities and briefings by NASA subject matter experts. These scholars will conclude their experience by presenting their proposals at a brunch to their parents, members of the Texas Legislature, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Rotary NASA, and JSC Senior Management.

The State of Texas in partnership with JSC and the Texas educational community, developed HAS in 1999 to encourage more students to pursue studies and careers in STEM subjects. More than 8000 students across Texas have participated in the program since its inception.

With this program, NASA continues its tradition of investing in the nation’s educational programs.  It is directly tied to the Agency’s major education goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines critical to NASA’s future missions, which include missions to Mars and beyond.

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HUGE CROWD EXPECTED FOR RANDY ROGERS BAND AT LUMBERYARD FRIDAY NIGHT

The Randy Rogers Band
One of the largest crowds of the summer is expected Friday night when the high-flying Randy Rogers Band returns for their second engagement at the Lumberyard.  Four of their previous five albums have made it into the top ten on the US country charts, and their most recent, Homemade Tamales (2014), reached number 11.

The band got its start in San Marcos and recorded its first album in 2002.  Since then, they have produced Rollercoaster (2004), Just a Matter of Time (2006), Randy Rogers Band (2008), Burning the Day (2010), and Trouble (2013), along with two other live albums in addition to Homemade Tamales (2014) . Rogers’ most recent venture, Hold My Beer, Volume 1, just released, is a joint project with Wade Bowen.

The band’s top singles include “Too Late for Goodbye,” “In My Arms Instead,” “One More Sad Song,” “Kiss Me in the Dark,” “One More Goodbye,” and “Satellite.”

Opening band is Aaron Einhouse beginning around 8:00pm with the Randy Rogers Band taking the stage at about 9:30. For reservations or more information, contact the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

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WEATHER REPORT: SUNNY AND DRY

Summer clouds over Roscoe.
Dry, sunny weather doesn’t sound like it would be news for west Texas, but with the all the rains and cloudy skies we’ve had this spring, it was a needed change from a very wet May.  Farmers welcomed the opportunity to plant cotton and combine wheat.

Temperatures remained a bit below normal for this time of the year with the high for the week yesterday’s 90°F. All the other days had highs ranging from 86° to 89°. Lows ran from 63° to 71°.

If today’s predicted high of 95° is reached, it will be the hottest day of the year so far. The outlook for the rest of the week is for highs in the low to mid-nineties and lows in the low seventies. There is a good chance of rain this weekend beginning on Friday with 20%, then increasing to 30% on Saturday, 40% on Sunday, and dropping back to 30% on Monday. Humidity will remain high throughout the week.

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† BEVERLY S. FARQUHAR

Beverly S. Farquhar, 68, of Roscoe, passed away on Friday, June 5, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. As per her wishes, her body will be cremated.  No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Beverly was born on December 8, 1946, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to E.C. and Veda (Riffle) Wright.  She worked for many years before retiring.  She was a Catholic and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family, who lovingly called her "Mema."

She is survived by three daughters, Annett Bromley of Roscoe, Veda Hayes and husband Doug of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Billi Tompkins of New Iberia, Louisiana; two sons, Jerry Bromley and wife Patricia of Santa Anna, and Tim Bromley and wife Susan of Roscoe; thirteen grandchildren, Steven Rains, Tommy Scott, Michael Hayes, Veda Hayes, Amber Craig, Wesley Parish, Alexis Ditto, Donald Bromley, Daniel Bromley, Brandon Bromley, Brittnie Steele, Kyle Bromley, and Tyler Bromley; seventeen great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Farquhar of Sweetwater.

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Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Devon Freeman Killed in Louisiana Car Wreck


Devon Freeman as RCHS Homecoming King in September 2011.
Devon Freeman, 21, a 2012 RCHS graduate, was fatally injured shortly after 2am on Friday, May 29, when his 2011 Toyota Camry rear-ended a 2012 Peterbilt 18-wheeler on US 190 westbound at the intersection of LA 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish, about 15 miles west of Baton Rouge.

He was unrestrained at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Pointe Coupee Coroner’s Office.  The driver of the truck, Derrick L. Hall, 47, of Baker, Louisiana, was wearing his seatbelt and not injured.

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VEHICLE BREAK-INS REPORTED DOWNTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that on Saturday, May 30, at approximately 11:30pm, deputies responded to reports of a burglary of vehicles in the 100 block of Cypress Street in Roscoe. It was reported that an unknown person or persons used force and entered four vehicles. Once inside the thieves took purses, cash, and other financial documents. The combined value of the items taken and damage to the vehicles is estimated at approximately $5,500.

On the same night, Burritos Zacatecas on Main Street across from the Post Office was also broken into with many items taken.

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers is asking for your assistance to help locate the person(s) responsible. If you have information regarding these crimes or any other crime, call the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office at 325-235-5471 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 325-235-TIPS (8477). You can also submit an anonymous tip online. Nolan County Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to the arrest and filing of charges against the person(s) responsible for these or any other unsolved felony crimes.

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TWO CRITICALLY INJURED IN AUTO ACCIDENT ON I-20 ONE MILE WEST OF TOWN

Roscoe Police assisted in a one-vehicle accident that occurred yesterday afternoon at the overpass just west of Roscoe at Mile 235.  A small, white, four-door Chevrolet carrying a man, woman, and three children apparently struck the concrete on both sides of the bridge before coming to a stop.

Two of the injured, one with life-threatening injuries, were airlifted away from the scene by helicopter, while the other three were taken away by ambulance.

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LUMBERYARD TO HOST KXOX COUNTRY SHOWDOWN SATURDAY


The 34th Annual Country Showdown will showcase local and area talent at the Lumberyard this Saturday, June 6. Sponsored in this area by Sweetwater radio station KXOX, the Country Showdown is a national event that gives aspiring country music artists a chance to launch their professional careers.

The Country Showdown is open to both vocal and instrumental performers and welcomes individual acts or groups with up to seven members. Acts must not have performed on a record charted in Billboard’s Top 100 Country format within eighteen months preceding the local competition. To ensure fairness, a uniform judging system is used on all levels of competition. Judges for this year’s competition include 2014’s National Winner, Crystal Yates! A $20 entry fee is required of all acts.

Saturday’s winner will have the opportunity to compete at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth against other regional winners, and the winner there gets a trip to Nashville and a chance to win $100,000, along with other benefits.

The show begins at 7:00pm and is free of charge.

All entries must be received NO LATER THAN 5:00pm TODAY, JUNE 3. Entry forms are available at the Lumberyard or by calling KXOX at 325-236-6655. For more information visit www.countryshowdown.com, or call the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

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WEATHER REPORT: TWO MORE RAINS

Storm clouds over Roscoe last Thursday. 
On Thursday and Saturday we got two more rains.  Here in Roscoe, weatherman Kenny Landfried recorded .45” on Thursday night and early Friday morning and .73” on Saturday (although he notes that he got 1.5” for the same rain at his farm northwest of town).  The town total of 1.18” for the two brings a total of 5.81” for the month of May while others in areas around Roscoe report well over six inches total.

Many cities in Texas are reporting that this was their wettest May on record, and the Weather Channel says it was the wettest May on record for both Texas and Oklahoma. Roscoe, however, has had three years since 1936 in which May was wetter than this year: 1982 with 10.92”, 1957 with 7.81”, and 1994 with 6.94”.

Since Saturday, we’ve been drying out although we got a little more precipitation yesterday morning, with an official .05”. Others reported getting as much as a tenth of an inch. Temperatures have still been relatively mild, with the high temperature coming last Wednesday at 88°F.  The lowest maximum was 68° on Saturday.  Lows ranged from 59° on Saturday and Sunday to 65° last Wednesday.

Starting today, however, and continuing on for the next week, we will experience our first typical summer weather with plenty of sunshine, highs of around 90°, and lows in the mid-sixties. In fact, today could be our first 90° day in almost two months.  The last one was on April 7, when the temperature rose to 91°. There is also no rain in the immediate forecast, which is not a bad thing. Farmers can use a few days like this to get their cotton planted and wheat harvested. Ranchers are just happy that there’s water in the stock tanks and the grass is green and growing.

Since the NOAA weather forecast was so accurate for the spring, which they predicted would be wetter than normal, I thought I would take a look at what they are projecting for the next three months, which you can see in the two charts below.  The map on the left shows the precipitation possibilities for June, July, and August; the one on the right shows projected temperatures.  As you can see, they expect west Texas to continue to receive above average precipitation and below average temperatures through August.  We’ll have to see if they’re as good at predicting the next three months as they were for the last three.

(Click image to enlarge.)
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† DEVON REECE FREEMAN

Funeral services are at 10:00am this morning, June 3, at Roscoe Church of Christ for Devon Reece Freeman, 22, who passed away on May 29 in Point Coupee Parish, Louisiana. Interment will follow at Roscoe Cemetery.

Devon was born January 1, 1994, in Abilene. He lived in Nolan County and Roscoe most of his life. He graduated in 2012 from Roscoe Collegiate High School, where he played Roscoe Plowboy football for four years and was regional qualifier in Texas in the pole vault two years and was state qualifier in Florida. After graduation he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Signalman. Devon was a member of the Roscoe Church of Christ and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signaling. He loved hunting, fishing, tractor pulling, and mud bogging, and most of all he loved children.

Survivors include his parents, Christy and Jason Freeman of Roscoe; brother, Dillon Freeman of Roscoe; sister, Dakota Freeman of Roscoe; maternal grandmother, Sue Smith of Sweetwater; maternal great-grandmother, Willo Dean Ellis of Liberty; paternal grandmother, Linda Freeman of Roscoe; paternal great-grandmother, Elnor Freeman of Roscoe; uncles and aunts, Brian and Jami Smith of Balch Springs, Texas; Jake and Lindsay Freeman of Roscoe, Jerri Freeman of Dallas; Joni Freeman of Sweetwater; nephews and niece, Brody and Jaline Freeman of Roscoe; Brian Smith, Jr., of Balch Springs; and numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends.

Devon was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Freddy Freeman, on June 6, 2007, and his maternal grandfather, Jimmy Don Smith, on August 2, 2012.

Pallbearers are Riley Teltschik, Juan Solis, Eric Padilla, Ty McGlothlin, Zach Gutierrez, Brett Rodriguez, Gabriel Medellin, and Joe Luis Aguayo.

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† TOBY BRANON NASH

Funeral services will be at 11:00am tomorrow, June 4, at Hillside Christian Church, 6202 Milwaukee Avenue, Lubbock, for Toby Branon Nash, 32, who passed away Friday, May 29.

Toby was born on May 29, 1983, in Sweetwater. On July 28, 2012, he married the love of his life, Erin Pirkle, at the First Baptist Church in Lubbock. He graduated from Roscoe High School in 2001, where he was a standout football player, making first-team all-state as a defensive lineman and all-district as a fullback.  He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University, where he played football for four years. As a high school and later college football player he learned the disciplines of commitment and sacrifice that would carry into serving two tours of duty in Iraq with the Marine Corps. Professionally he served as West Texas Regional Sales Manager for NOVA Medical Centers.

Survivors include his wife, Erin Nash; daughter, Ryan Kate, due in July; mother, Debbie McIntire and husband, Allan; sister, Katie McIntire; brother, Tommy and Betsy Nash; paternal grandmother, Mary Nash; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Phil and Missy Pirkle; niece, Regan Nash; nephew, Jet McIntire; and brother-in-law, Jeff Pirkle; several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert Nash.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation for daughter Ryan Kate may be made at any Wells Fargo Bank to the Toby Nash Memorial Fund. Condolences may be expressed at Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designers.

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