Junior High Students Visit Washington, DC

Students meet with U. S. Rep. Jodey Arrington in Washington, DC.

A group of Roscoe and Highland Junior High students went on a tour of Washington, DC, June 3-6. While there, they met with U. S. Congressman Jodey Arrington and learned more about our nation’s capital. They also visited the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the MLK Memorial, the World War II Memorial, Ford’s Theater, and other sights of interest.

Roscoe Collegiate students making the trip were Jacob Bohall, Isaiah Bugarin, Darbee Drake, and Gaven Martinez. Highland students' names were not yet available at posting time.

The trip was made through WorldStrides, an educational travel company, and the group was paired with the H. F. Stephens Middle School of Fort Worth.

At Audie Murphy's grave in Arlington National Cemetery.

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STONEY LARUE AT THE LUMBERYARD FRIDAY NIGHT

Stoney LaRue

Are you ready for some Red Dirt? Friday night, the ever-popular Stoney LaRue and his band, The Arsenals, return to Roscoe for a command performance at the Lumberyard.

Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, LaRue is famous for creating the Red Dirt sound along with friends Cody Canada, Jason Boland, and Brandon Jenkins. His 2005 CD, The Red Dirt Album, reached the Billboard sales charts its debut week, and in 2006 he released the best seller Live at Billy Bob’s. In 2014 he achieved acclaim for his 2011 CD, Velvet, and his 2014 album, Aviator.

His latest album, Us Time, is a collection of fan favorites from his live shows. It includes Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic,” Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” and Gary Stewart’s “Empty Glass,” as well as LaRue standards such as “Feet Don’t Touch the Ground,” and “Oklahoma Breakdown,” plus a new LaRue original, “Easy She Comes,” and others.

The opening band will begin at around 8:00pm. LaRue will take the stage around 9:30pm. For reservations or more information, contact the Lumberyard at 325-766-2457.

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SLAIN OFFICERS TO BE HONORED AT PLOWBOY MUDBOG

On July 6, Plowboy Mudbog organizers will be handing out black paper plates with blue tape to show support for law enforcement and to remember the five police officers slain in Dallas on July 7, 2016.

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ROSCOE IN YEARS GONE BY:  Roscoe Times, August 10, 1943.

Enough silk and nylon to make over 140,000 powder bags for 3-inch naval guns have been turned in by patriotic Texas women, George Butler, chairman of the state old stocking drive, says. He estimates this represents 2,101,720 pairs of stockings.

An urgent appeal has been made by military authorities for deer skins to make gloves for soldiers fighting in frigid zones. It is said gloves made from deer hide do not freeze and are so light soldiers can fire a rifle without having to remove the glove. Ones who have new or old deerskins are asked to turn them in for this purpose.

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WEATHER REPORT: SUMMER TEMPERATURES, SOME HAIL

The southern sky on Sunday afternoon.

Never mind the cool weather that typified spring this year—the first week of summer has felt like it with enough afternoon heat to make you forget those milder days that led up to it. There was also some hail in an afternoon shower on Sunday, but as far as I could tell, it was localized to an area around Champion, where some replanting of cotton will be necessary. But Roscoe and most of the surrounding area was spared and didn’t even get a drop of rain.

The hottest day of the year so far—and the first to exceed the century mark—came on Thursday when the temperature rose to 104°F. The following morning also had the warmest low of the year at 76°.  Two other days were also scorchers. Friday’s high was 98° and Sunday’s 97°. There were a couple of scattered showers, but they weren’t significant or general enough to make much difference.

On Monday, a cool front moved through causing temperatures to drop a little to a high of 89° on Monday and 90° yesterday. Lows were also cooler with 67° Monday and 65° yesterday. Today should be similar with a high of 88° and a low of 69°. Then, tomorrow and the weekend should be a little warmer with mostly sunny skies and highs of 91° tomorrow, 94° Friday, 93° Saturday, and 91° Sunday.

With chances of precipitation at 0% to 10% through the weekend, any significant rain is unlikely.

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† DAVID SAMUEL GRIFFITH, JR.

David Samuel Griffith, Jr., 70, of Big Spring and formerly of Roscoe, passed away Sunday, June 23, in Big Spring.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Big Spring. Interment will be at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene in the future. McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater is in charge of local arrangements.

David was born to the late David S. and Josephine Michelle (Cross) Griffith November 3, 1948, in Minden, Louisiana. He married Diane Scitern August 1, 1980, in Odessa. They lived in McCamey until 1991, then moved to Roscoe and then to Big Spring in 2016. David served in the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army, worked as a salesman for Lamesa Printing, was owner of Griffith Office Supplies and was a truck driver for Southern Cal. He was a member of Lions Clubs, past member of Bethel Baptist Church in McCamey, of Broadway Baptist Church in Sweetwater for 23 years, and finally a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Big Spring.

He is survived by is his wife, Diane S. Griffith of Big Spring; daughters, Davina Carter and husband Shane of Lamesa, and Jeralyn Swartz and husband Tim of Lubbock; son, Andrew Griffith and wife Hazel of Odessa; step-sons, Larry Burklow, Jr., and wife Ceci of San Marcos, and Larence Burklow and wife Rythy of Pflugerville; step-daughter, Heather Mitchell and husband Shane of Sand Springs; sister, Anna Bottema of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Carlos Dewey Griffith of Guam; eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Shane Mitchell; sister, Frances Brown; and brothers-in-law, Bill Bottema and Ronald Perry Scitern.

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† RAFAEL CUELLAR

Holy Mass of Christian Burial for Rafael Cuellar, 74, was held at 10:00am Monday, June 24, at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish with Father Nilo Nalugon officiating. Burial followed at Roscoe Cemetery with arrangements directed by Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home. He passed away at his residence on Friday, June 21.

Rafael was born on November 6, 1944, in Kenedy, Texas, to Manuel and Julie (Polanka) Cuellar. He married Dora Hernandez on February 12, 1968, in Sweetwater. He was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish and a U. S. Army veteran. He was a farmer for most of his life, bus driver for Sweetwater ISD for many years, and also a driver for Carr's Transportation. He loved his family and enjoyed laughing, joking and playing cards with all of his kids and grandchildren. He also loved working on his lawn mowers.

He is survived by his wife, Dora Cuellar of Roscoe; daughter, Rachel Rosas and husband Mike of Sweetwater; two sons, Ralph E. Cuellar and wife Maribel of Roscoe, and Benito Cuellar and wife Amanda of Roscoe; thirteen grandchildren: Joel Ruiz, Matthew Cuellar, Mike D. Rosas, Mark Ruiz, Jacob Cuellar, Joshua R. Rosas, Joe Ruiz, Emily Gomez, Johnaton Cuellar, Alexandria Cuellar, Veronica Cuellar, Cera Cuellar, and Anyah Parsons; and seven great-grandchildren: Jazmin Ruiz, Javier Mellado, Ariela Cuellar, Mike D. Rosas, Jr., Aubrees Ruiz, Makenna Cuellar, and Joe Jr. Ruiz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel & Julia Cuellar; daughter, Lily Roxanne Ruiz; granddaughter, Lily G. Ruiz; three brothers: Martin Cuellar, Jose Cuellar, and Epifanio Cuellar; nephew, Richard Cuellar; and niece, Maria Ellen Saenz.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Joel Ruiz, Matthew Cuellar, Mike D. Rosas, Mark Ruiz, Jacob Cuellar, and Johnaton Cuellar.

Honorary pallbearers were Joshua R. Rosas and Joe Ruiz.

The family would like to give special thanks to Hendrick Hospice for all the care that they do and the kind words.

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Homecoming Planners Invite Involvement

Pep Rally at a previous Homecoming.

This year’s RHS/RCHS Homecoming will be the weekend of October 4-5, and preparing for the Schedule of Events is underway.

The next planning meeting will be at 6:30pm on July 8 at the Roscoe Community Center, and all those interested in helping out are invited.

We are currently working on updating the address data base. If you have a new address or know someone who has moved, please let us know.

If you would like to work on your classmates’ addresses, please contact us, and we will email or mail you a list.

For more information, contact Teresa McFaul-Watson at 325-280-1960 or teresa@lawbros.com or Connie McIntire-Baize at 325-338-1287 or cubaize@yahoo.com.

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MIKE RYAN BAND AT LUMBERYARD SATURDAY NIGHT

Mike Ryan

What better way to spend the second official day of summer than to be outside that evening at the Lumberyard dancing and taking in some great music? This week the featured act is Mike Ryan and his band. Ryan is a singer/songwriter who grew up in San Antonio and sharpened his skills in the Metroplex, particularly at Billy Bob’s, where he has appeared on numerous occasions.

He released his first full-length album, Night Comes Falling in 2012, and since then has produced three more—Bad Reputation in 2014, Mill & Music City in 2016, and Blink You’ll Miss It in 2017. He typically writes or co-writes all his songs as well as singing them.

Notable singles of his include “New Hometown,” “Dancing All Around It,” “Wasting No More Whiskey,” “Damn Good Goodbye,” "When I Drink Beer," and “Red Eye Flight.”

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

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ROSCOE IN YEARS GONE BY: THE OLD DOWNTOWN PARK

From the Sweetwater Sunday Reporter, August 30, 1932.

ROSCOE PLANS FOR CITY PARK

Lions To Take Lead in Proposal; To Come Up at Meeting Thursday

ROSCOE.—A proposal to take the lead in establishing a city park for Roscoe will be taken up by the Lions Club here Thursday, following a week in which public sentiment on the project has been sounded by members of the organization.

According to Lion President W. E. Forrester, the park would be a co-operative movement with the Boys Scouts, churches, and school to join the Lions in building it. Each of these groups would be asked to donate at least one tree, and keep it alive.

Later on a wading pool, playground equipment, and other features might be added but the main item now is getting the recreation center started, Forrester has pointed out.

A half block close to the business district is being considered as a possible site for the park.
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Boys in the old City Park where the bank is today. Photo is from the mid-1940s and the view is to the west.

Editor’s note: This park was built shortly thereafter with some slight alterations from those initially planned. It was located on the corner of Cypress and Second Streets, where the Roscoe State Bank, drive-up window, and parking lot are today. In its northeast corner was the old city water tower, erected in 1911, and next to it, the city barn. Next to Second Street for a while a croquet ground was across the street from the Young Hospital, and there was a large lawn with two large cedar trees near the center of the park, along with a flagpole just to its west that regularly flew the American flag. The wading pool mentioned above was never built, but a small fish pond built of rock that held large goldfish faced Cypress Street and the Roscoe Times office across the street on its west side.

In the early 1950s, a small circular swimming pool next to the city barn was added by the Boys Club. It had metal walls and a concrete base, and, when full, had water about two feet deep. Swimming there was free of charge, and several boys learned to swim in that little pool.

The swimming pool in the foreground and the Boys Club Hall in 1957.

In the summer, the regular Monday evening Boys Club meetings were held in the park, games were played pitting patrols of several boys each against one another, and bean feeds, ice cream feeds, and watermelon feeds were held there. The Boys Club Hall was located next to the park in the back of the same building that still houses the City Hall.

During the week, children played games in the park with boys’ pass-touch games being especially popular there in the fall. There were also bales of hay stacked against the City Barn with a large target attached. Boys who had made their own bows used it to practice their archery skills.

Early in the fall, the high school carnival was annually held there, and there were many booths set up and run by various town and school organizations and clubs. There were cake walks, dart throws at wall-mounted balloons for prizes, and baseball throws at a target which, when hit, would cause a football coach, preacher, or some other prominent local adult to fall into a cold tub of water.

Every Friday afternoon in the 1950s, the weekly Trades Day drawing was held there, and the park filled with people hoping to win the weekly prizes of $10, $15, and $25 in Trades Day script, good for purchases in participating town businesses, which included almost all the ones in town.

A popular meeting place during the 1930s, ‘40s, and '50s, the park lasted until it was replaced in 1962 by the Roscoe State Bank and parking lot, which are still there today.

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WEATHER REPORT: WARMER, DRIER DAYS

Lightning from yesterday's storm. (Photo by Eden Baker)

Although temperatures were still slightly below average, they were still warmer than the week before. And, although we did get a little more rain, for most people it wasn’t enough to cause any great problems, and for the past few days farmers have been putting in extra hours to get their cotton planted before the crop insurance deadline of June 20. 

In most cases, they have been or will be successful in making the deadline, but there was enough rainfall northwest of town early yesterday morning to keep tractors temporarily out of the field (reports of up to .9” around Pyron), so not everyone may make it. Most places got less than that, however. Here in town, Kenny Landfried reported .2" and west of town and elsewhere reports were around that or maybe .3".

In general, the ground is drier than it was this time last week following the warm, sunny days. Two days, Friday and Saturday, had highs of over ninety degrees, 91°F on Friday and 97° on Saturday. The latter was the hottest day in 2019 so far, but that will probably change today if the temperature reaches the predicted high of 98° and almost certainly tomorrow as the high should top out at around 104°. The weekend will also be much warmer with a high on Saturday of about 93° and on Sunday with 95°. Lows will also be warmer with minimums in the low to mid-seventies.

Drying out is also likely to continue with southwest winds today, tomorrow, and Friday and chances of more precipitation dropping to 20% until Monday when they rise to 30%.

The longest day of the year and the first official day of summer will be this Friday, June 21. Sunrise will be at 6:35am and sunset not until 8:52pm.

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† DONALD ALLEE MENN

Funeral services for Judge Donald Allee Menn, 83, were held at 2:00pm, Saturday, June 15, at Trinity Baptist Church in Sweetwater with Rev. Matt McGowen and Richard Acuna officiating. Burial followed in the Roscoe Cemetery with arrangements directed by Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home. He passed away on Wednesday, June 12.

He was born in Yorktown on April 22, l936, and grew up in Runge. He was a lifelong Baptist and a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Sweetwater. He graduated in 1959 from Texas A&I, now Texas A&M at Kingsville, with a BS degree in agriculture. After graduation, he joined the Texas Army National Guard and served six months at Fort Ord, California. The remainder of his enlistment was with the Sweetwater National Guard.

In February of 1960, Donald moved to Sweetwater where he worked for Soil Conservation Service. He married his sweetheart, Joan Smith, October 2, 1960. They moved to Roscoe where he began farming and working with the RS&P Railway. Donald was an active member of Nolan County Farm Bureau. He served as county president and voting delegate to state and national conventions. He and his dad held a unique distinction in Farm Bureau history as the only father and son to serve as current terms as county presidents.

In 1972, the Menns returned to Sweetwater. His continued interest in government led him to be elected Nolan County Judge. During his term he helped implement the County Court-at-Law, upgrading the county's civil defense and emergency disaster plan. His proudest accomplishment was to bring about the building of North 70 by-pass east of the city. Many of his friends and acquaintances still know him as Judge Menn.

In 1989, Donald and Joan moved to Cuero. Donald worked for the Boil Weevil Eradication program out of Victoria. He was also engaged in ranching with his parents and brother. In 2011, they retired and returned to Sweetwater. Donald loved the land and continued to oversee his farming operations. He was an avid sports fan and could play a great game of dominos. He enjoyed his "office" time with friends at Whataburger and McDonalds.

Judge Menn is survived by his wife, Joan, of the home; son, Woodrow and wife, Julie, of Austin; daughter, Sherry Boiles and husband Donnie, of Sweetwater; and son, Jeff of Sweetwater; his grandchildren, Brian Boiles and wife Jamie of Bryan; Brice Boiles of Dallas; Kasey Menn of Bryan; Brent Boiles of Arvada, Colorado, Andrew Menn of Golden, Colorado; great grandson, Brady Boiles of Bryan; sisters, Dorothy Ballenger and husband Glen of Roscoe, Patricia Cooper of Buffalo; brother, Harvey Menn and wife Janie, of Runge; sister-in-law, Cyrella Bartlett and husband Russell, of Justin; and brother-in-law, Clifford Jones of New Braunfels.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Woodrow and Evangeline Menn; his in-laws, Woodrow and Lena Mae Smith; great-grandson, Dossie Menn, and sister-in-law, Betty Jones.

Pallbearers were Brian, Brice, and Brent Boiles, Andrew Menn, Lance Larson, Clifford Jones, Russell Bartlett, Tim Kerby, Bobby McGlothlin, and Dal Snyder. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Lowery of Houston, Raymond Smith of Lake Kiowa and Chester Wallace of Cuero.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605 or Texas Oncology, 1957 Antilley Rd., Abilene, Texas 79606.

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Mayor, Council Member Begin New Terms

City Attorney Zollie Steakley, left, swears in Mayor Pete Porter to a new term.

At its monthly meeting at City Hall yesterday evening, Mayor Pete Porter and Council Member Susie Alford were sworn in to new terms, the Council heard monthly updates from the City Manager and Chief of Police, and the Council took care of some routine action items.

City Attorney Zollie Steakley swore in Mayor Pete Porter and Council Member Susie Alford to new terms. Both ran unopposed this spring when their old terms expired. The mayor's term lasts four years, and the council member's three.

City Manager Cody Thompson gave his monthly update of City works, beginning with the pre-construction meeting held with the sewer contractor, Flint Stone Services LLC of Cisco. Construction should begin within the next couple of weeks on sewer-line replacement in the alley between Main and Cypress Street. The company’s goal is to finish before school starts. 

There are pump problems at the main lift station. The City is working on a permanent solution and has consulted with City Engineer Scott Hay about changing the pump company the City employs.

Thompson said that City workers are working on the mosquito problem by placing tablets in standing water. They will begin spraying by the end of this week.

He also mentioned that the recent rains and wetness have held up the patching of streets.

The Independence Day Celebration will be in downtown Roscoe on Saturday, July 6. It will begin at 8am with the Roscoe Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, followed by the parade line-up at 9:30am and the parade down Broadway at 10am. The Plowboy Mudbog competition at George Parks Field begins at noon and live music downtown at 5pm with singer Tanner Fenoglio. The headliners for the free concert and street dance are Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, starting at around 8pm. They will be followed by the fireworks show. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and coolers to the event. To get a vendor’s booth or obtain information, contact City Hall during business hours at 325-766-3871.

Police Chief Felix Pantoja gave the Police Report for the month of May, saying the Department answered 127 calls, issued two traffic tickets and seven traffic warnings. There were four citations for code violations, and the Department dealt with one traffic crash. There were no arrests in the month.

The Council then took care of some routine action items, approving of a fireworks show on Saturday, July 6, re-appointing Council Member Robert McBride to be Mayor Pro-Tem, and approving with minor changes the “Roscoe Matters” newsletter for June/July.

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LINNEA ELMORE RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL ACADEMIC SUCCESS AT DUKE UNIVERSITY CEREMONY

Linnea Elmore

Duke TIP Press Release

DURHAM, NC — Linnea Elmore, a 7th-grade student from Sylvester who attends school at Roscoe Collegiate ISD, is among the students honored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT. She was recognized at Duke TIP’s Grand Recognition Ceremony, held on 20 May 2019 at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. Grand Recognition Honorees represent participants in TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search who have achieved exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders.

Each year, Duke TIP identifies students across the United States who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on grade-level standardized tests and invites them to join their 7th Grade Talent Search. After joining TIP, these same academically talented students then take an above-level college-entrance exam to learn more about their abilities. Those with the very highest scores on the ACT or SAT are invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony.

“These are remarkably talented students who have demonstrated their academic potential by achieving scores on the ACT or SAT equal to the top 10% of college-bound high school seniors taking these same tests,” says Shawna Young, Executive Director of Duke TIP. “They should be extremely proud of their accomplishment.” For more information on the 7th Grade Talent Search, as well as Duke TIP’s 4th–6th Grade Talent Search for younger students, please visit www.tip.duke.edu.

Linnea’s parents are J. T. Elmore, Assistant Principal at Roscoe Collegiate High School, and Dana Elmore, teacher at the RCISD Early Childhood Center.

* About Duke TIP: The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically talented youth. Duke TIP works with students, families, and educators to support gifted youth in reaching their highest potential. Nearly 3 million students have benefited from TIP programs and resources since 1980. For more information about Duke TIP, visit www.tip.duke.edu.

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2019 HOMECOMING SET FOR OCTOBER 4 & 5

Plans are underway for the 2019 Roscoe High School Homecoming with the Homecoming Committee setting the event this year on the weekend of October 5. On October 4, the Plowboys will play Christoval at home. It will be their first home game after the Hawley game on August 30.

More details will be provided in next week’s post.

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BRUCE ROBISON AND KELLY WILLIS HEADLINE FREE CONCERT AT JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis..

This summer’s Independence Day Celebration in downtown Roscoe on Saturday, July 6, will feature husband and wife team Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis at the free concert and street dance. The pair are currently on a cross-country tour celebrating the release of Beautiful Lies, their latest album, which will hit the music stores between now and their appearance here on July 6. It will be their fourth album produced together, following their third, Our Year, released in 2014.

Both made their names as single performers before marrying and getting together as a duo.

Bruce Robison, the brother of country singer Charlie Robison, has been better known as a songwriter than an individual performer. Songs he wrote that have hit number one on the country charts include Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Angry All the Time,” the Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier,” and George Strait’s “Wrapped.” Originally from Bandera, he began his singing career over twenty years ago and in that time has produced twelve albums, including four with his wife. His most recent solo album is The Back Porch Band, released in 2017.

Kelly Willis has also had a singing career separate from her husband’s. Her most recent solo effort is a soul-and-country gem entitled Back Being Blue, released last year. She and Bruce have been married since 1996 and have four children.

The Austin-based couple’s most popular singles as a duet include “Angry All the Time,” “Long Way Home,” and “Leaving.”  Their new album will undoubtedly add more.

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ROSCOE PLOWBOYS 2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date                 Opponent                   Location                      Time
Aug.  17            Ozona**                     San Angelo               10:00am
Aug. 22            Forsan**                    Forsan                         5:00pm
Aug. 30            Hawley                       Roscoe                         7:30pm
Sept.  6             Stamford                   Stamford                     7:30pm
Sept. 13            Miles                          Miles                            7:30pm
Sept. 20            Chico                         Cisco                            7:00pm
Sept. 27            Bye
Oct.    4            Christoval (H)          Roscoe                         7:30pm
Oct.  11             Hamlin*                    Hamlin                        7:00pm
Oct.  18            Albany*                     Albany                         7:00pm
Oct.  25            Haskell*                    Roscoe                         7:00pm
Nov.  1              Baird*                        Baird                            7:00pm
Nov.  8             Cross Plains*            Roscoe                         7:00pm  

** = Scrimmage
(H) = Homecoming
    * = District Game

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CITY MANAGER DISCUSSES MOSQUITO PROBLEM

City Manager Cody Thompson wants to remind everyone that with all the rain we have had this spring, the mosquitoes are bad and getting worse as the weather heats up. Mosquitoes are a health hazard as they can carry the Zika virus. To keep them from multiplying, residents should drain any standing water in yards or containers, clean rain gutters, fill in low areas in their lawns, keep grass mowed, and stay indoors as much as possible at dusk and dawn.

You can also take these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the Zika virus:

•  Apply EPA-approved insect repellent.
•  Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts.
•  Use screens and close windows and doors.
•  Cover trash cans and containers where water can collect.
•  Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
  

Thompson also wants to remind residents to watch for rattlesnakes as some have been spotted in town recently.

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Jamey Johnson played to a full house at the Lumberyard Thursday night.

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JAYDEN GONZALES IN FCA FOOTBALL GAME

Recent RCHS graduate Jayden Gonzales participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Myrle Greathouse All-Star Classic football game at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene Saturday. Although he was a quarterback for the Plowboys, he played as a wide receiver for the Blue team, which had several area quarterbacks on its roster.

Fellow RCHS grads Bonnie Wilkinson and Jovana Peña participated in the event as cheerleaders for the Blue team.

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WEATHER REPORT: SUNNY AND MILD

Sunrise Saturday morning.

We got just a little over a quarter-inch of rain on Thursday with an official .27”, but since then we’ve had a fair amount of sunshine and some drying out after all the rain that has fallen.

Temperatures were once again mild and below what we normally get in June. Saturday with its afternoon high of 92° was only the fourth ninety-degree day we’ve gotten all year, the other three being April 10 with 94°, April 21 with 91°, and May 28 with 93°. Roscoe has yet to see a 95° day, and here we are well into June.

So far this year, weatherman Kenny Landfried has recorded .24” for January, .21” for February, .86” for March, 3.91” for April, and 8.94” for May for the city of Roscoe. That brings the total to 14.16” so far for the year.

The high temperatures on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and yesterday were all in the eighties, and Monday’s high was only 73°, along with some high winds and blowing dust. The strongest winds of the week, however, were last Wednesday when Big Spring got a strong haboob and Roscoe had winds up to 40mph and gusts up to 60mph along with plenty of blowing dust. Lows were in the 60°-65° range all week.

The forecast for today is for partly cloudy skies with a high of 82° and northeast winds, followed by a high of 85° tomorrow with winds shifting to the south. Friday will be warmer with a projected high of 92° and strong southwest winds, and Saturday will be similar with a high of 94°. Highs will remain in the nineties on Sunday and the days following, and it appears we will be getting summer weather for the rest of the month.

Chances for rain are 20% for today and tomorrow but fall to 0% Friday and Saturday, 20% Sunday, and 0% Monday. So, chances are now good that the farmers will get their cotton planted before June 20 after all.

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† NEVA MARGARET CLECKLER

Funeral services for Neva Margaret (Borland) Cleckler, 103, were held at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 8, at McCoy Chapel of Memories with Darrell Goodnight officiating. Interment followed at Roscoe Cemetery. She passed away Thursday, June 6, at Sweetwater Health Care Center.

Neva was born November 8, 1915, in Fort Worth to the late Ernest D. and Mary Alice (Martin) Borland. She married Wendell Curtis Cleckler November 27, 1933, in Roscoe. She was a seamstress, homemaker and wife of a farmer. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Roscoe and had lived in Nolan County since 1925.

She is survived by her son, Kendell Cleckler and wife Mondelene of Sweetwater; three grandchildren, Carole Tucker and husband Charles of Kerrville, Chad Cleckler and wife Chris of Whitehouse, Texas, and Marty Cleckler of Lubbock; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Neva was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell, October 24, 1991; and son, Keith Cleckler, June 17, 2016. She was also preceded by two brothers, Harold Borland and Clarence Borland; and a sister, Eudell McReynolds.

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Jamey Johnson at the Lumberyard Tomorrow

Jamey Johnson

Country singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson and the Kent Hardly Playboys will make their first ever Lumberyard appearance with a special Thursday night performance tomorrow night.

Jamey Johnson, 43, has been in the spotlight ever since his recording of “The Dollar” in 2005. Born and raised in Alabama, he went to college for two years before doing the next eight in the Marine Reserve. During that time, he began singing at night clubs in Montgomery, and in 2000 moved to Nashville. His first successes were as a songwriter, and in 2006 he co-wrote “Give It Away,” which George Strait took to Number 1. And with the release of “The Dollar,” Johnson’s singing career also took off, and he has been a familiar name in country music ever since. Two hit songs on his 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, “In Color” and “High Cost of Living,” established his popularity, and the album was certified gold.

Over the years he has produced four albums, The Dollar, That Lonesome Song, The Guitar Song, Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran, and one EP, The Christmas Song. The Guitar Song debuted at Number 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and sold 63,000 copies its first week. In addition to George Strait, he has written or co-written songs for Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Trace Adkins, and others.

He has been nominated for numerous Country Music and Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Album, Best Country Song, and Best New Artist of the Year. “Give It Away” was named Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 2007, and “In Color” Song of the Year in 2009.

Memorable singles include “The Dollar,” “In Color,” “The High Cost of Living,” “Give It Away,” “Between Jennings and Jones,” “Lead Me Home,” “That Lonesome Song,” and “The Redneck Side of Me.”

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

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KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS PLEASE LUMBERYARD CROWD



The Kentucky Headhunters had everyone dancing at the Lumberyard last Friday evening.

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VAN HORN ISD ADOPTS ROSCOE’S P-20 PROGRAM


Van Horn ISD is one of the school districts inspired by what Roscoe Collegiate ISD has done in re-structuring its system for college and career readiness, and giving its students the opportunity of attaining associates and even bachelor’s degrees as well as professional certifications from government and industry. Van Horn wants to do the same and is in many ways modeling its curriculum on Roscoe’s P-20 program but adapting it to its particular situation, especially its professional partnerships. Working with Roscoe, they’ve come up with this promotional video to explain their program and its goals.

Roscoe’s Edu-Drone instructor, Dusty White, and high school students Ty Fullwood and Arthur Pope were instrumental in making the video. Mr. White produced and co-edited it, Ty Fullwood did the aerial filming and sound, and Arthur Pope the ground filming and editing.

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ROSCOE IN YEARS GONE BY:

[Editor’s note: Back in 1958, when sack dresses were all the rage in women’s fashion, the town fathers played a “sack dress” baseball game. Such an event might not take place today, as we are now much more aware of gender issues and might not want to be accused of sending the wrong signals by cross-dressing. But the ‘50s were a more innocent time in that regard, so the game went on as funny community entertainment.]

Roscoe Lions Club softball team in ladies' dress. They aren't in sack dresses here, but this was as close as I could get. Front row: Tommy Huff, Glenn Pitts, Billy Whorton, Harold Haynes, Bernard Shelansky, Walter Driver, William Haney. Standing: George Parks, Joe Sneed, John McKay, Arliss Haynes, Landrum Medlock, Clyde Jay, Glenn Roenfeldt, Russell Haney.

(from the Abilene Reporter-News, July 13, 1958)

‘SACK’ BASEBALL GAME AT ROSCOE

ROSCOE (HW) – Now the sack dresses are spreading to baseball.

A sack dress baseball game will be held between the Roscoe Lions Club and the American Legion post here the night of July 28.

Players may wear cotton sacks, flour sacks, or regulation fashion “sacks.”

As an added attraction, Lion President Arthur Weeks and American Legion post commander Wilbert Pietzsch will co-star in a beauty contest. Fans may vote for either at $1 a vote. Proceeds will go to pay off a $700 debt remaining on lights at the baseball park.

The “beauties” will be brought in sports cars furnished by Pollard Chevrolet and Roscoe Motors. Beauticians will “pretty up” each contestant.

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WEATHER REPORT: MORE COOL, WET WEATHER

There's plenty of water in the lake just west of Roscoe.

It’s been another cool, wet week in Roscoe. And, although we are now in the month of June, the high temperature for the week once again failed to reach 90°F. Saturday afternoon’s 88° was as hot as it got, and last Wednesday and Thursday had highs in the seventies. Lows were right around 60° except for Saturday, which had the highest low for the week at 67°. TXU Energy stock is going to be dropping if we don’t start getting hotter days requiring more air conditioning, but electric bills are likely to be considerably lower than they were last year.

We also got two more showers. The first was early Friday morning between 3:30 and 4:00am. The official total for Roscoe was .75”, but with the ground as saturated as it ever gets around here, that was enough to keep everything wet with puddles everywhere. And then, just as things were beginning to dry out, we got another shower early Monday morning, filling the puddles again. This time Kenny Landfried recorded .31” more to bring the total to just over an inch for the week.

With these frequent showers, the ground has never really been able to dry out, and with forecasts of more rain for this week and next, farmers have begun to seriously worry about getting their cotton planted. For one thing, it’s been time to plant for a while now, and for another, the crop insurance rules require all cotton planting to be done by June 20 in order to get full coverage. Planting after that date causes a 5% drop in coverage for each day it is late.

However, the forecast changed yesterday evening from 40% and 50% chances of rain for last night and the rest of this week to much less than that, 0% to 20%. So, if the meteorologists are correct in this latest lowering of expectations for precipitation, then the chances of most farmers getting their planting done before the deadline go way up. Of course, even with no more rain between now and June 20, farms with currently filled lakes will not be able to plant as many acres as they’d like. Still, the forecast looks a lot rosier this morning than it did this time yesterday.

Chances for rain are now 40% for later this afternoon and tonight, 20% for tomorrow, 10% for Friday, and 0% for Saturday and Sunday. However, the forecasters' downward revision of Monday and Tuesday to 20% has been changed again and is now back up to 40% for Monday and 50% for Tuesday. Obviously, the meteorologists are having some trouble making up their minds.

Today should be mostly cloudy with a high of 85° and tomorrow similar with a high of 83°. On Friday, though, the sun should come out and remain that way through Sunday. Friday’s high should reach 87°, Saturday’s 94°, and Sunday’s 92°. Then, the clouds and cooler weather return on Monday and Tuesday with the high on Monday only 77° and on Tuesday 81° with increased chances of rain both days.

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