Happy Halloween!

Halloween is Friday evening, so remember to buy some trick-or-treat candy if you haven’t already done so, and keep in mind that kids will be trick-or-treating and walking the streets before and after sundown.

The First Baptist Church will have a “Trick or Trunk” event on Friday from 6:00-7:00pm.

--o--

PLOWBOYS ROLL OVER ROBY 30-14, FACE MENARD HERE FRIDAY

The Plowboy defense held Roby scoreless in the second half.

After losing to Roby three years in a row, the Plowboys enjoyed a little payback Friday night as they dominated the second half and finished with a convincing 30-14 victory over the Lions.

The Plowboys opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Cutter Davila to Kevin Lavalais.  However, the extra-point attempt, a kick by Isaiah Gonzales, failed.  It would be the first of five futile attempts by the Plowboys to make extra points during the game.  Nevertheless, the Plowboys were ahead 6-0.  Roby came right back, though, with a long drive capped by Sterling Dowden’s touchdown run from two yards out.  Roby’s extra-point attempt also failed, and the score was tied 6-6.

The Lions took the lead in the second quarter on a six-yard run by Ridgdon Terry.  The pass for extra points from Terry to Braeden Groat was complete, and Roby was ahead 14-6.  The Plowboys responded with another successful drive and a 16-yard TD run by Vincent Pantoja.  The extra point attempt again failed, leaving the score at 14-12 Roby.  Pantoja made another touchdown in the latter part of the quarter on a 9-yard run, though, and at halftime the Plowboys were up 18-14.

The Plowboy defense shut out Roby for the entire second half while Roscoe scored two more touchdowns, one in the third quarter on a 12-yard pass from Brayden Beal to Kevin Lavalais and one in the fourth on a 12-yard run by Pantoja to make the final score 30-14.

The Plowboys are now 4-4 on the year and 2-1 in district.  This Friday, they face a tough matchup as undefeated Menard comes to town.  The Yellow Jackets are 2-0 in district and 7-0 on the year.  They are also coming off an open week, so on paper the Plowboys’ chances for victory don’t look that good.  However, they didn’t look good for the Redskins in Dallas Monday night, either, and look at what happened there.  As ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman likes to point out, “That’s why they play the game!”  Consider also that Friday night is Hallowe’en.  Anything can happen.  Go, Plowboys!

Kickoff is at 7:30pm.

Correction:  I have learned that the Abilene Reporter-News' stats on Menard's record is wrong.  They didn't have an open date last week as stated in the Reporter-News' online Go Friday Night.  Instead, they played Miles last week and lost to them 36-10.  This means they have a district loss, so if the Plowboys beat them tomorrow night, they will be in the driver's seat for finishing second in district, assuming they can beat Bronte next week.  

Cutter Davila passes to Kevin Lavalais for the first Plowboy TD against Roby Friday evening.

--o--

RCHS ROBOTICS TEAM QUALIFIES FOR REGIONAL

Plowtech, Roscoe Collegiate High’s robotics team, qualified for regional competition in Dallas at the district BEST meet held at TSTC on Saturday.  The team finished second overall and received the following awards:

Best Robot Design

Best Built Robot

1st Place Engineering Notebook

1st Place Exhibit and Interview

2nd Place Marketing Presentation

2nd Place Spirit and Sportsmanship

3rd Place Robot Contest

Here’s wishing the team a great finish in Dallas!

--o--

LYNDI WILKINSON AND ALEJANDRA SOLIS QUALIFY FOR REGIONAL IN CROSS COUNTRY

Plowgirls Lyndi Wilkinson and Alejandra Solis qualified for the regional meet and the Plowgirls as a team came in fourth at the district meet in Hamlin last week.  The Plowboys also finished fourth but had no regional qualifiers.

The Junior High boys finished first as a team.  Individually, Tagen Atkins was first, Alfonzo Islas second, Ethan Morris fourth, and Isaac Olvera fifth.

The Eighth Grade Girls finished second as a team.  Individually, Bonnie Wilkinson was second, Madison Mims seventh, and Michaela Horton ninth.

The Seventh Grade girls also finished second as a team.  Individually, Jaci Alexander was fourth, Jaleigh Morales sixth, and Leanara Deleon eighth.

--o--

AARON WATSON AT THE LUMBERYARD SATURDAY

Aaron Watson

Another great Texas country singer makes his debut at the Lumberyard this Saturday evening, November 1, when Aaron Watson comes to town.  Watson should be a great fit for the Lumberyard since he has a reputation of being an audience-friendly artist who sticks around after the show to meet and greet everyone, sign autographs, take photos, and the like—just like Ray Price, Mel Tillis, and other similar-minded performers have done.  And there is no doubt that he will put on a good show.

Although he was born in Amarillo, Watson launched his music career while a student at ACU and still calls Abilene home. His first CD, Aaron Watson, was released in 1999, and since then he has produced ten more, among them The Honky Tonk Kid, San Angelo, Barbed Wire Halo, Angels & Outlaws, The Road & the Rodeo, and Real Good Time.  

Top singles include “That Look,” “July in Cheyenne,” “Real Good Time,” “Raise Your Bottle,” “Shut Up and Dance,” “Lips,” and “Barbed Wire Halo.”

Watson will take the stage at 9:15 or 9:30.  Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.  For reservations or more information, phone the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

--o--

WEATHER REPORT: INDIAN SUMMER

The cotton harvest has begun. (Photo by Jeremy Baker)

A light shower of about .15” fell last Wednesday, but then the skies cleared, and since then they’ve been mostly or completely sunny.  By Friday, the temperature was up to 86°F, and for the next few days we had a late warm spell with highs in the upper eighties or lower nineties and lows in the sixties.  The hottest day was Monday with a high of 91°.

A cold front moved in early yesterday morning around 2:00am, and things have cooled off considerably since then.  The high yesterday was only 72° with a north wind, and the low this morning was 49°.  The next few days should be similar with partly cloudy skies, highs in the seventies, and lows in the fifties.  The long range forecast is for a 30% chance of rain on Monday increasing to 40% Monday night.

--o--

† DOROTHY L. (HESTAND) YOUNG

Funeral services were held at Lamar Street Baptist Church on Saturday, October 25, for Dorothy L. (Hestand) Young, 71, who passed away at her home in Sweetwater last Wednesday, October 22.  Interment followed at the Roscoe Cemetery.

Dorothy was born in Roscoe on January 22, 1943, and lived in Roscoe and Sweetwater all of her life. She was a Flower Designer and had worked for Roscoe Flower and Gift Shop and the Flower Box. A member of the Lamar Street Baptist Church, she was also an RHS graduate and member of the Class of 1961.

Survivors include her husband, Sam Young, Sr., of Sweetwater; sons, Sam Young, Jr. and wife, Colette, of Joshua, TX; and Brad Young and wife, Sondra, of Kyle, TX; brother, David Hestand and wife, Donna, of LaJunta, CO; brother-in-law, Edgar Nance of Yuma, AZ; 2 grandchildren, Brandon William of Joshua, TX, and Danielle Williams of Rio Vista, TX; and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marlin L. and Mattie Lou (Campbell) Hestand; her sisters, Margaret Baker and Betty Nance; a brother-in-law, Don Baker; and a nephew, Dallas Ruminer.

Pallbearers were Lamar Street Baptist Church Deacons Jimmy Davis, Randy Hanes, Jack Kennedy, Raymond Lambert, Scott Lambert, Norman Massey and Clint Parks.  Honorary Pallbearers were Deacons Jerry Browning, Dale Finch, and Larry Wilke.

--o--

† JEAN NELMA (SHOPPA) ZETZMAN

Services will be held at 2:00pm today, October 29, at Faith Lutheran Church in Sweetwater for Jean Zetzman, 87, who passed away at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital on Monday, October 27.  Interment will follow at Roscoe Cemetery.

She was born on April 3, 1927, in Ford County, Texas, and graduated from Pyron High School in 1945. On May 16, 1945, she married Raymond Zetzman and moved to Roscoe. She was a past member of First Salem Lutheran Church in Roscoe and currently a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sweetwater. Jean served on the Roscoe City Council for many years and served as Mayor. She worked for Potter and Jay Insurance Agency for twenty years as secretary and salesperson of insurance. She also worked for the R. S. & P. Railroad for two years and the Nolan County Sheriff’s Department as Jailer for ten years. She was involved in farming with her husband most of her life. Jean was honored as being named Roscoe Citizen of the Year.

Survivors include her daughters, Carrie Blaschke and husband, Russell, of Abilene; Jerrie Gee and husband, Larry, of Sweetwater; and Sherry McGlothlin and husband, Eddy, of Loraine; seven grandchildren: Chris Kinsey and Janie, Suzanne Hamm and Shane, William McCloskey, Justin Gee and Lacey, Jarrod Gee and Brandie, Bobby McGlothlin, Angela and Scott McGlothlin; twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Dixon of Fort Worth; and a brother, Billy Raymond “Jack” Schoppa of Saint Jo, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August Louis and Minnie (Schulze) Schoppa, and her husband, Raymond Mitchell Zetzman, on December 9, 2012.

Pallbearers are Chris Kinsey, Christopher Kinsey, Shane Hamm, Justin Gee, Jarrod Gee and Bobby McGlothlin. Honorary pallbearers are William McCloskey and Scott McGlothlin.

--o--

New Roscoe Businesses Hold Ribbon Cuttings

Roscoe has two new businesses in town, The Turquoise Toad and the Roscoe Thrift Store, and both held their Grand Openings on Friday morning with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

The Turquoise Toad

Ribbon cutting at the Turquoise Toad.

The Turquoise Toad at 101 Cypress on the south side of the Shelansky building specializes in furniture and home decor.  Its owners, Connie Baize and Kori Underwood, rescue and sell old furniture, often repurposing it in some way.   Everything in the shop is made from recycled material, and they also refurnish furniture for the public.

They are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8am-4pm.  For more information visit the Turquoise Toad Facebook page or phone 325-338-1287.

The Roscoe Thrift Store

Ribbon cutting at the Roscoe Thrift Store.

The Roscoe Thrift Store is on 509 Broadway in the same location that Tita’s Restaurant and the Dairy Fluff used to be.  Owned and operated by Aurora Rangel, it has quite a selection of clothing, collectibles, antiques, and various other items at reasonable prices.

It is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm and on the first Saturday of the month from 10am-2pm.  For more information, visit the Roscoe Thrift Store Facebook page or phone 432-202-4665.

--o--

WEST TEXAS WIND FESTIVAL ENJOYED BY ALL

Nine Mile Mountain and Radney Foster at the free concert and street dance.

On a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon and evening, both local folks and visitors from surrounding communities gathered for a good time at the City of Roscoe’s eighth annual West Texas Wind Festival.  Street vendors once again lined Cypress, Broadway, and Old Town Park; the Roscoe Historical Museum hosted a large number of guests; and downtown businesses were filled with patrons.

At George Parks Field, the Plowboy Mudbog was in progress, and the sound of mud vehicles gunning their engines as they made their way through the black Roscoe mud could be heard from several blocks away.  Around the firehouse and the Community Center, cooks vied for glory and cash awards at the “BBQ in the Wind” Cookoff sponsored by the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department.

As afternoon turned to evening and the sun went down in the west, music filled the downtown air at the free concert and street dance.  Two excellent country music groups, Nine Mile Mountain and Radney Foster, entertained the crowd, and many danced “on the bricks” while others were content to enjoy the scene from their lawn chairs or along the low walls of Old Town Park.

The fireworks show was once again a crowd pleaser as it officially closed the festivities, although the party went on at the Lumberyard for many of the grownups, who went there to continue the celebration by dancing and listening to yet another excellent band, The Shiny Ribs.

Thanks are due, once again, to the organizers of the event, whose hard work and careful planning produced another memorable time for all.

--o--

"BBQ in the Wind" Cook Off Winners

The $1500 Fuller Foods Grand Prize went to Two Peas in a Pod.

Pork
1. Bar Ditch
2. Keeping Up with the Jones
3. Two Peas in a Pod

Ribs
1. SWS Cookers
2. Son of a Dink
3. BBQ Brew Crew

Steak
1. Two Peas in a Pod
2. Redneck Mother
3. BBQ Brew Crew 

--o--

Plowboy Mudbog Winners

2014 Plowboy Mudbog winners. (Photo by Patty McBride)

Street Class
1. Chuck Harvey
2. David Smallwood
3. Tony Pantoja

Super Street
1. Fletch Rivera
2. Adam Gomez
3. Lus Pantoja

Modified
1. Tanner Parks
2. Caleb Dean
3. Nick Pantoja

Super Modified
1. Abel Alvarez
2. Branden Oden
3. Daryl Haag

Open
1. Russell Reid
2. Matt Hall
3. Arden Alvarez

--o--

PLOWBOYS FALL TO WINTERS 32-15

The Winters Blizzards lived up to their advance billing as the team to beat in District 6-2A II as they overpowered the Plowboys 32-15 Friday in Winters to go up 2-0 in district play and 6-1 on the year.  The Blizzard quarterback, Jimmy John Ripley, proved to be too much to handle as he rushed for 206 total yards with two long runs in the first half to set up one TD and score another.

Winters opened the scoring on their first drive when Ripley ran for seventy yards to set up a 3-yard scoring run by Michael Chavis.  The extra-point attempt failed, and the Blizzards had the early lead at 6-0.

The Plowboys came back midway through the second quarter with a long drive to take the lead.  After Kevin Lavalais intercepted a Ripley pass, the Plowboys drove down the field to a first and goal.  Winters stopped them on three plays, but on the fourth Cutter Davila hit Lavalais in the end zone for a touchdown.  Isaiah Gonzales’ extra-point kick was good and the Plowboys were ahead 7-6.

The lead didn’t last long, though, as Ripley ripped off a 62-yard TD run to put Winters back on top.  Once again, though, the Blizzard extra-point attempt failed, and Winters led at halftime 12-7.

In the third quarter, Winters took a commanding lead when Stephon Cleghorn scored on a 23-yard run.  The extra-point kick was good, and the score at the end of three was 19-7.

After another Winters touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Plowboys scored their final TD of the evening on a 24-yard Vincent Pantoja run.  Davila then passed to Rafael Aguayo for the extra points to make the score 25-15.  Winters then scored once more to make the final score 32-15.

Pantoja again led the Plowboys in rushing with 156 yards in 28 carries.  Davila completed 15 of 25 passes with no interceptions for 169 yards, and Max Nemir led all receivers with 82 yards on three catches.

Roscoe is now 3-4 on the year and 1-1 in district play.  If they can take care of business against 1-6 Roby at Plowboy Field this Friday, they will still be in good shape to make the playoffs.  The Lions are coming off a 44-28 loss to Menard in Roby Friday night.

Kickoff is at 7:30pm.

--o--

LUMBERYARD TO HOST FUNDRAISER FOR KEITH BREWER SATURDAY

This Saturday evening, October 25, the Lumberyard will host “Party with a Purpose,” a fundraiser for Keith and Jeanne Nayfa Brewer to help with expenses involved with Keith’s long battle with cancer.

The benefit will feature a fish fry, auction, live music from three different bands, and dancing for a donation of $15 at the door plus $5 a plate.  Donations can also be made at the First Financial Bank in Sweetwater or by calling Rebecca Sells at 325-338-3005 or Vicki Scott at 940-357-1456.

The event begins at 6:00pm.

--o--

WEATHER REPORT: MILD AND BEAUTIFUL

Autumn sunset.

There’s been no rain, but otherwise the weather has been beautiful and remarkably stable.  The old adage “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes,” generally holds true for west Texas, but not since last Thursday, when a cool front moved through.  Temperatures fell, and since then we’ve had some of the nicest weather you’d ever want to experience.  Highs have ranged from 75° to 80°, and lows have been in the mid to upper fifties.  It was a bit breezy in the afternoon on Friday and Saturday, but mornings and evenings were calmer, and winds have been light since then.

We can expect more nice weather through the weekend.  There’s a 20% chance of rain today increasing to 30% tonight followed by 20% again tomorrow.  Highs will remain around 80° and lows in the fifties with light southeast winds 5-10mph through Sunday.  Today and tomorrow skies will be mostly cloudy, changing to mostly sunny on Friday and Saturday, and sunny on Sunday.

--o--

West Texas Wind Festival on Saturday

Radney Foster

Plans are being finalized for the eighth annual West Texas Wind Festival, and organizers are expecting a large crowd, especially for the free concert and the fireworks show.  As usual, the downtown streets will be lined with vendors all afternoon and evening, and kids’ bounce houses and inflatables will be in the park.

The Plowboy Mudbog will be at George Parks Field in the afternoon, and the competition should be fierce as always with mud vehicles from several cities, including Hobbs, NM.

The Roscoe Express Shuttle will be on hand to take people to and from the baseball field, selected parking areas, and downtown all afternoon at no charge.

Music for the free concert and street dance will begin downtown at about four with Roscoe's own Lyndall Underwood and the Dusty Creek Band.  They will be followed by another local favorite band, Nine Mile Mountain, at around six.

Then at 8:15 country music singer and songwriter Radney Foster will take the stage. Foster, a native Texan born in Del Rio, began his music career as a songwriter in Nashville, where he met Bill Lloyd in the mid 1980s.  Together they co-wrote several successful songs and began performing as a duet.  Between 1986 and 1990, they recorded three studio albums and had nine singles hit the country charts before parting ways to pursue solo careers.

In 1992, Foster released his album Del Rio, TX 1959, which produced the hits “Just Call Me Lonesome,”  “Nobody Wins,” “Easier Said Than Done,” and “Hammers and Nails.”  Since then, he has released ten albums and several hit singles including “The Running Kind,” “Texas in 1880” (with Pat Green), “Everyday Angel,” and “Louisiana Blue.”  His latest album, Everything I Should Have Said, released this past May, contains the single, “Whose Heart You Wreck (Ode to the Muse).”

The fireworks show will follow Foster's performance at about 9:45 and conclude this year’s Wind Festival, although those who aren’t ready to go home yet can move over to the Lumberyard, where the music will go on until midnight.  There will be no cover charge.

Here are details for the events of the day:

BBQing in the Wind Cookoff (around the Fire House and Community Center):

Cooks at work.

First Place Steak Prize: $1500 from Fuller Foods, Colorado City

Categories:
16 oz. Rib Eye Steak
Pork Spare Ribs
Pulled Pork

Schedule:
6:00pm (Friday)  – Setup begins
8:00am (Saturday)  – Meat inspection begins
10:00am – Cooks’ meeting
3:00pm – Pulled Pork turn in
4:00pm – Rib Eye Steak turn in
5:00pm – Pork Spare Ribs turn in

Contestants must enter all three events to enter the Steak category.  Cost for all three is $150.  Cooking fuel may be wood, gas, or charcoal.  Dry camper spaces only. No hookups. No electricity per cook site.  One camper, one vehicle, up to 12' x 12' cover, and up to two pits in cooking area are allowed.

The Fire Department will supply a public electricity and water station.

All proceeds go to the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department.  For more information, contact Gary Armstrong at 325-235-4110.

Plowboy Mudbog (at George Parks Field on Second and Sycamore Streets):

Bug Nasty.

9:30am – Driver registration begins
11:00am – Public gate opens
12:00 noon – First run begins

Kids 8 and under – Free; Ages 9 to 14 – $2; Ages 15 & up $5.  

All proceeds benefit the Roscoe Little League.

Downtown:

Street scene on Cypress.

All afternoon: Kids' area with bounce houses and inflatables.
4:00pm - 5:45pm  Dusty Creek Band
6:00pm - 7:30pm Nine Mile Mountain Band
7:45pm – Announcements of Cookoff and Mudbog winners
8:15pm – Radney Foster
9:45pm - Fireworks

--o--

PLOWBOYS PLEASE EXES, THUMP MILES 26-8

The Plowboys overcame an early deficit to win going away.

An RHS ex, former Plowboy, and good friend, whose name will not be mentioned here, told me he left  Plowboy Field right after Miles scored the first touchdown of the game Friday evening.  And, really, who could blame him?  It was cold, wet, and windy, the kickoff had been delayed thirty minutes because of lightning, and, as he noted, the Miles players were noticeably larger and apparently faster and better, judging from the speed and ease of their touchdown drive that opened the game.

However, the rest of the game was a different story as the Plowboys dug in, reversed Miles’ early momentum, and wound up entertaining the Homecoming crowd with a decisive victory over the Bulldogs 26-8.

It was all Miles in the beginning, though.  After receiving the kickoff, the Bulldogs moved all the way down the field in only three plays.  Miles’ Cody Krueger hit Garrett Kalina with a 5-yard touchdown pass, and Miles was up 6-0.  The extra-point attempt failed, but a penalty was called on the Plowboys, and on their second try Krueger passed to Ivan Tirado for two, and the Bulldogs were up 8-0.

After a couple of unproductive series for both teams, Roscoe finally got on the scoreboard when Cutter Davila hit Rafael Aguayo with a 12-yard touchdown pass.  Pedro Huidobro’s extra-point kick was no good, though, and Miles led 8-6.  At this point it now looked like anyone’s game.  The Plowboys’ defense had stiffened, and Miles was no longer dominating as they had at the outset.

The Plowboys took the lead in the second quarter on a 21-yard pass play from Davila to Vincent Pantoja.  The extra-point attempt once again failed, and the Plowboys were ahead 12-8.  Roscoe then took a commanding lead later in the quarter when Davila completed a short pass to Pantoja, who broke a couple of tackles and raced 74 yards down the sideline for another Plowboy TD.  This time the extra-point kick was good, and the Plowboys led 19-8, which was the score at halftime.

Defenses on both teams dominated a scoreless third quarter, but the Plowboys scored on the first play of the fourth when Davila completed another touchdown pass, this one a 45-yarder to Javier Leanos.  Huidobro’s extra-point kick was good, and the Plowboys had a commanding lead at 26-8.

Another Plowboy drive near the end of the quarter put the Plowboys on Miles’ two-yard line, but instead of trying to punch it in, the Plowboy quarterback took a knee, ending the game and leaving the final score  26-8.

The leading rusher for the Plowboys was Vincent Pantoja with 119 yards in 24 carries.  Davila was 13 for 17 in passing for 287 yards and 4 TDs with no interceptions, and Leanos was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 112 yards.

Both the Plowboys and Miles are now 3-3 on the year, but, more importantly, the Plowboys are now 1-0 in district play.  Their next opponent is Winters in Winters this Friday.  The Blizzards, 5-1 on the year and 1-0 in district, were the pre-season favorite to win District 6-2A II.  Their only loss for the year so far was to Hamlin, and they are coming off a 47-0 district win over Roby in Roby last Friday.

--o--

JOHN JAY TO CHAIR INDEPENDENT TEXAS BANKERS' BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Jay

Austin-- John Jay, president of the Roscoe State Bank since 1990, is the new Chairman of the Board of IBAT, the Independent Bankers’ Association of Texas.  He officially accepted the position for 2014-2015 during the association’s 40th annual convention in Fort Worth on September 28-30.

He joins Chairman-Elect Rogers Pope, Jr. of Texas Bank and Trust in Longview and Secretary-Treasurer Darla Rooke of Junction National Bank in Junction. New board members include Joe Kim King of Texas County Bancshares in Brady, Sam Munafo of Inter National Bank in McAllen and Doug Streater of Extraco Banks, N.A. in Temple.

Austin-based IBAT represents Texas community banks and has more than 2,000 independent banks and branches in 700 Texas communities. Additional information about the organization and its new board of directors can be found at www.ibat.org.

John Jay is a Roscoe High School graduate and member of the Class of 1977.

--o--

CITY COUNCIL HOLDS MONTHLY MEETING

Cody Thompson updates the City Council.

At its monthly meeting last night in City Hall, the Roscoe City Council heard updates on various projects around town as well as the September report from the Roscoe Police Department.  It also established guidelines for the approval of artwork, memorials, and signage on City property.

City Manager Cody Thompson reported on several current City activities.  He said that construction of the three community houses is on schedule and that Atmos gas contractors began work yesterday on the Young Farm Estates and plan to be done in about two weeks.  He also reported that delays by the electrical contractor Oncor is seriously holding up development of the Stone Tower RV Park in north Roscoe and could impact progress on Young Farm Estates.

The City has closed on the purchase of the Guelker building for the Police Department and is ready for this weekend’s West Texas Wind Festival.

Roscoe Community Center director Helen Perry and president Felix Pantoja have both resigned after performing exemplary service to the City and will be replaced by Gail Presley and Connie Baize.  Inquiries concerning the Community Center should henceforth be addressed to Gail Presley at 325-518-4135.

Police Chief Felix Pantoja reported on Police Department activity for the month of September.  There were 96 total calls, 3 burglary cases cleared, 2 arrests, 4 citations, and 3 dogs taken to the pound in Sweetwater.  The Department also assisted other law enforcement agencies on 12 occasions.

The Council passed a motion that all artworks, signage, and memorials on City property first be approved by the Council.

--o--

NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, AUBREY’S ARMY, ESTABLISHED FOR RCHS SENIORS

Roscoe, TX - October 14, 2014 – Aubrey’s Army, a new scholarship program available to seniors currently enrolled at Roscoe Collegiate High School, will begin accepting applications this week.

Aubrey’s Army is an organization dedicated to the memory of Aubrey Ryan Renteria. The organization was established to honor its namesake’s spirit of generosity and selflessness through projects that will improve the community and serve its neighbors.

Students from Roscoe Collegiate High School's class of 2015 who are selected to become members of Aubrey’s Army will be eligible for a scholarship to be awarded at the end of the academic year. Throughout the year, participants will engage in a number of community service projects. Projects might

include improving public areas, assisting the elderly with yard work, or collecting food and clothing for the needy.

This is an especially significant year to begin this scholarship given that it would have been Aubrey’s senior year. It is fitting that the first recipients be Aubrey’s own classmates.

Interested students may submit applications at www.aubreysarmy.org/apply. Deadline is November 1.

Donations for the 2014-2015 scholarship program can be made by visiting
www.aubreysarmy.org/donate.

For additional information, please visit aubreysarmy.org or contact Abel Romero at abel.romero@aubreysarmy.org.

--o--

MICKY & THE MOTORCARS AT THE LUMBERYARD FRIDAY NIGHT

Micky and the Motorcars

Micky and the Motorcars, a hot alternative Texas country band from Austin, will return for an encore performance to the Lumberyard Friday night.  The band has released five mainstream albums: Careless (2007), Naïve (2008), Live at Billy Bob’s Texas (2009), Raise My Glass (2011), and Hearts from Above (2014).  Top singles include “Carolina Morning,” “July, You Are a Woman,” Careless,” and “Hearts from Above.”

The group will take the stage at around 9:30.  For more information, call the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

--o--

WEATHER REPORT: COOL, WET, AND WINDY

Hail west of Roscoe on Friday.  (Photo by Allen Richburg)

Weather for the past week was changeable with both warm and cold and wet and dry, but the lasting impression, at least for me, was that it was cool, wet, and windy.  Last Thursday’s warm, sunny weather brought a high of 89° and a low of 67°, but all that changed on Friday as a front moved in with clouds, and an early evening shower of about a tenth of an inch fell here in town.  West of town, however, small to quarter-sized hail fell along with precipitation of a half to three quarters of an inch, and it felt downright cold at the football game with gusts from the north of up to 32mph and temperatures dropping into the upper fifties.

On Saturday the high was only 61°, which on Sunday climbed to 86°.  On Monday, however, another cold front hit with a shower of .14" here in town, and the high was back down to 69°.  Yesterday it was back up to 74° and today should be around 82° before rising to about 90° tomorrow.  Friday and Saturday should be somewhat cooler with highs of around 80°, but skies should be sunny and winds light, so the outlook is good for a nice day for the West Texas Wind Festival.

There is no rain in the forecast.

--o--

RHS Homecoming 2014 This Weekend

The old High School building, where most exes spent their high school years.

Roscoe High School exes will gather from far and wide this weekend for RHS Homecoming 2014.  This will be the first time Homecoming has been held on consecutive years, but teacher Katie Heaps and current high school students have organized a full three-day event and are ready for the festivities to begin.

Thursday

Cheerleaders at last year's bonfire.

Homecoming 2014 will begin tomorrow evening at about 7:00pm with the bonfire on Young Farm Estates property in north Roscoe just east of FM 608.  Tailgating is encouraged, cheerleaders and the band will be on hand, and there will be food, drinks, and glow items available for sale.  The fire will be set as soon as the sun goes down and will be followed by fireworks.

Friday

Then on Friday at 1:00pm the Exes Reception will be held in the new Special Events Center.  RHS alums will be able to visit with old classmates and friends, enjoy refreshments, chat with students, and tour the new facilities.

An afternoon pep rally in the old gym will precede the game.

At 2:50pm the Pep Rally will be held in the old gym to get the Plowboys pumped for their football game with Miles.  Exes will be recognized.  From 4:30 to 7:00pm folks will gather in the Cafetorium for more visits during the Plowgirl Potato Bake, which costs $6 per plate and benefits Plowgirls’ Athletics.

The Plowboys open district play with Miles.

Kickoff for the football game with the Miles Bulldogs will be at 7:30pm at Plowboy Field.  This will be the Plowboys’ first district game, and it should be a good one.  During halftime, the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned and the Homecoming Court announced.  There will also be a photo booth where pictures can be taken and purchased.

After the game, teenagers will gather for the high school dance at the Community Center while adults make their way to the Lumberyard to hear the Blackland Bullet Company, featuring Plowboy Exes Jady Underwood (1998) and Toby Young (1998).  The $10 per person cover/donation will go to the Roscoe Collegiate Scholarship Fund.

Saturday

On Saturday morning all the activities will be in the Cafetorium.  The Meet & Greet begins at 8:30 with coffee, donuts, visits with other exes, tours of the school led by students, door prizes, and awards.

Robotics demonstration in the Cafetorium.

At 10:00, the Robotics Team will do a demonstration, students will make presentations, and the History 1301 class will present a short history of Roscoe.  At 10:30 student Tech Wizards will be available to help old Luddites learn how to stay connected with family and friends through the use of Facebook and Facetime.

The morning activities will be followed by the Enchilada Lunch (enchilada casserole, beans, rice, salad, drink, dessert), which runs from 11:30am to 1:30pm.  Advance tickets are $7, and tickets at the door are $8.

Lunch will be followed by the Exes’ Guys & Gals Basketball Game, from 2:00 to 5:00 in the Plowboy Gymnasium.  Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for students.  The concession stand will be open, and proceeds will benefit the Athletic Department.  Those interested in playing should sign up via the link on the Facebook page.

The downtown Homecoming Parade will begin at 3:00pm with the lineup at 2:30 on Broadway in front of the old Nitzsche Welding Shop.  A special feature will be the bicycle decorating contest for elementary school students.

During the afternoon the Roscoe Historical Museum downtown will be open for visitors.

Gordon Miles and Leslie Huff at the Lumberyard.

At 8:00pm Open Mic begins outside at the Lumberyard, where you and others will be able to impress the audience with your undiscovered vocal talents.  Then at 9:30 the Purple Spirit Band featuring RHS exes Leslie Huff (1973), Gordon Miles (1974), Billy Joe Jay (1971), and Kenny Zimmerman (1974) will take the stage.

Other activities include the Roscoe 2nd Saturday Trade Days from 8:00-4:00 at the Roscoe Community Center.  Several vendors will be set up there along with the concession stand.   You can also visit local businesses, pick up a punch card, and be entered in a drawing for a gift basket valued at over $200.  You can visit participating merchants Friday and Saturday until 2:30.  The drawing will be held at the Lumberyard, right before Open Mic at 8:00pm.  You need not be present to win.

Class parties will also be held on Saturday night.  For more information, consult the Roscoe Homecoming Facebook page.

In short, there should be plenty to do for everyone this weekend.  We hope you can make it and look forward to seeing you there.

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CENTRAL ROLLING PLAINS CO-OP HOSTS OPEN HOUSE

Hamburger lunch at the cotton gin last Thursday.

The Central Rolling Plains Co-op held its annual open house last Thursday with a hamburger lunch at the gin northwest of town.  Gin Manager Larry Black gave a short address to the members present and updated them on recent developments regarding the gin.

Members also wrote down their guesses for the number of cotton bales to be ginned this year, and a $100 prize awaits the person who gets the closest without going over.

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WEATHER REPORT: A LATE TASTE OF SUMMER

Last night's moonrise in the eastern sky.

Last Wednesday the high was 91°F, the first time it had been as high as 90° since September 10, and after all the mild weather we’d been having, it felt like we were back in summer again.  The rest of the week, though, was cooler with highs in the low eighties and lows in the fifties. On Sunday, however, warmer weather was back with a high of 88°, then 89° on Monday and all the way up to 94° yesterday.

These high temperatures should continue for the next three days with highs approaching 90° and lows in the mid sixties.  Then a cool front will move through Friday night, bringing with it a 40% chance of precipitation. 

Afternoon temperatures on Saturday will get only into the mid seventies with a low that night of around 60°.  During the day there will be a 30% chance of precipitation, diminishing to 20% that evening.  On Sunday and Columbus Day, skies will be sunny and afternoon temperatures will return to the mid eighties with morning lows in the lower sixties. 

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Plowboys Dispatch Eldorado 20-12

The Plowboy defense at Eldorado Friday night. (Photo by Lus Pantoja)

The Plowboys returned to their winning ways Friday night when they defeated the Eldorado Eagles in Eldorado 20-12.  The game was the Plowboys’ final contest before opening district play at Homecoming against Miles on October 10.

The Plowboys opened the scoring early when Max Nemir scooped up an Eldorado fumble and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown.  The extra-point kick failed, but the Plowboys were up 6-0.  Eldorado came right back and drove down the field, scoring on a 15-yard pass. Their extra-point kick was also no good, and the score was tied 6-6.  

However, the Plowboys answered less than a minute later when Brayden Beal hit Kevin Lavalais with a pass that was good for 39 yards and another Plowboy TD.  Once again the attempted extra-point kick failed, making the score 12-6 Roscoe.  That ended the scoring for the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Eldorado tied the score on an 8-yard run.  Once again their extra-point attempt was no good, and at halftime the score was 12-12.

Roscoe went ahead to stay on the opening drive of the third quarter when quarterback Brayden Beal broke free on a 49-yard touchdown run.  He then passed to Isaiah Gonzales for two extra points, putting the Plowboys out front 20-12.  There was no more scoring for the rest of the third quarter or in the fourth, and the Plowboys came away with the victory.

Vincent Pantoja led Roscoe’s rushing with 109 yards in 18 carries.  In passing, Brayden Beal completed 15 of 22 for 68 yards and one TD with no interceptions, and Kevin Lavalais led Plowboy receivers with 3 catches for 44 yards and one TD.

The Plowboys are now 2-3 on the season.  They have an open date this Friday and will return to Plowboy Field for their opening district game with Miles next Friday, October 10.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S FALL FESTIVAL THIS FRIDAY

Everyone is invited to participate in Roscoe Elementary School’s Fall Festival, which is this Friday evening, October 3, from 6:00-8:00pm.  There will be fun, games, homemade ice cream, hot dogs, booths, a bounce house, bingo, prizes, and activities of all kinds to make the festival a fun evening for everyone.

The event will be located at Circle Drive in front of the Elementary School building.

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BLOOD BANK SEEKS VOLUNTEER DONORS FOR BLOOD DRIVE

The Meek Blood Donation Bus

The Meek Community Blood Bank of Abilene is looking for volunteers to donate blood next Tuesday, October 7, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.  The Bloodmobile will be located on 7th Street in front of the Roscoe Collegiate High School Special Events Center.  Donations will take approximately 30-45 minutes, and donors are advised to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluid beforehand.  

In addition to knowing their donations could help save a life, donors will receive a free T-shirt.  To reserve a sign-up time or for questions, phone Nick Anthony, CD, of College Chiropractors at 325-766-3423.  Walk-up donors are also welcome.

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DUCKS UNLIMITED AT LUMBERYARD SATURDAY

Prophets & Outlaws will provide the music at Ducks Unlimited.

The annual Ducks Unlimited dinner and auction will be held at the Lumberyard this Saturday, October 4.

Doors open at 5:30pm, and the barbecue dinner is at 6:00pm, followed by both silent and live auctions along with door prizes.

Live music will be provided by Prophets & Outlaws.

Tickets, available at the door, are $35 per person, $45 for couples, and $25 for green wings (17 and under). Tickets include membership in Ducks Unlimited, the barbecue dinner, three drinks per person, and cover charge for the live music.  

Ducks Unlimited is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people.

For more information, call Jason Glenn at 325-513-2654.

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FIGHT FOR THE CURE WALK/RUN-A-THON A BIG SUCCESS

Participants at the Walk/Run-a-thon at Plowboy Field..

The recent Fight for the Cure Walk/Run-a-thon in honor of Cynthia Black held at Plowboy Field on Saturday, September 20, turned out to be quite a success.  Organizer Shella Arnwine requested that we post the following thank you note:

I want to thank each and every one who participated and donated to the Run/Walk-A-Thon on Saturday.  There were several people who were out of town and couldn't make it to run but donated money for the cause.  We ran a total of 496 miles and have raised $3,241 so far.   People are still bringing in money, so it is going up still!!  I am super excited and happy with the support of our community!

I also want to thank the local businesses who stepped in and donated prizes for the event: Wildflower Boutique, Vicki's Gifts, Blackland Smokehouse, Lumberyard, West Texas Rock Resources, and Southern Belle Salon.

Thanks Again,
Shella Arnwine

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WEATHER REPORT: BEAUTIFUL FALL WEATHER

Autumn sunrise. (Photo by Ken Brawley)

It’s been an uneventful week as far as the weather goes, and that’s not a bad thing considering the big rains we got previously.  Skies have been cloudier than normal and temperatures mild with highs between 80°F and 83° and lows in the low to mid sixties all week, at least up until yesterday when the sun broke through and the mercury rose to 88°.  Today should be even hotter with a projected high of 91°, the first time it’s been as high as 90° since September 10, three weeks ago.

However, tomorrow should be cooler with a high of 83° and a low in the mid fifties tomorrow night as a light cool front moves in.  Friday’s high will be only in the upper seventies, and the weekend weather should be beautiful with highs in the low to mid eighties, lows in the low sixties, and clear to partly cloudy skies.

There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms today and tomorrow, but no predicted precipitation after that.

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