Harry Haines Spoke At Dumas Noon Lions At Lunchtime On Thursday

Harry Haines spoke at Dumas Noon Lions Club about two of his latest books, Collusion and Texas Panic.  Harry sent the High Plains Observer Dumas his Bio and we would like to share this with you so you can know more about him.

Harry H. Haines started out as (we kid you not) a trombone player.  Trombone led to band directing.  Band directing led to a doctorate and college teaching.  University work and today’s “publish or perish” environment led to fifteen books, all nonfiction, most about music teaching.  (One of Harry's book was about band and the Dumas ISD actually used his book for teaching band students)

Harry liked writing and in 1998, when he retired from teaching at WTAMU, he decided to try writing fiction.  It looked easy.  Twelve years and three books later, he has the battle scars to show that it was anything but.  He attended the Iowa Summer Writers Festival four times, the Maui Writers Conference/Retreat three times, and several dozen writers' workshops located all over the country.  And he entered an uncountable number of fiction contests.  He failed a lot but his manuscripts have won four, big, international contests.  Two of those novels have been published a third will be released in fall, 2010.

Orphan, a story about horse racing, was published in 2008.

Texas Panic, the prequel, features the same setting, same protagonist, and a battle to save America’s beef industry.  It was published in 2009.

Collusion, a thriller that is completely different, is the story of a Harvard accounting professor who is hired by the world’s largest energy corporation to investigate why the company went bankrupt.  Publication is set for October, 2010.

Harry and his wife Shirley (a retired librarian) live in Canyon, Texas. They have three grown children, to whom Collusion is dedicated.

Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center

Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center
Advisory Board Meeting
February 8, 2011 Noon (12-1)
First Methodist Church
401 Binkley Ave.
Please RSVP-Lunch will be provided
Thelma Cannon 806-935-5976

Dogie Days From A Kids Perceptive

Kyle Stroebel, Ryan Riggins, Josh Turner and Devan Running

Have you ever thought about Dogie Days from the perceptive of kids?  What kind of questions do you think they would ask?  Good Ones! Of course. 

Mrs. Nicole Clark's 3rd grade Pegs GT class did a survey of other elementary classes to see what their favorite activity is to do in Dumas.  These 3rd graders sent out 360 surveys and got back 214 surveys and the result was Dumas Noon Lions "Dogie Days".  The four student above are working on a Dogie Day brochure for kids.

Here are some of the questions that these and other students asked:

1. What is the purpose of Dogie Days?
2. When does it happen?
3. What is the money used for?
4. Is there anything kids would want to know about Dogie Days?
5. What are some other fundraisers that Lions Club does?
6. Who is the manager of Lions Club?
7. Can kids be in Lions Club?
8. What is a Lion?

Some questions are easy to answer and some required some thought.  The first four questions were asked in relations to the Dogie Day Brochure and the rest was from the inquiring students.
The answer to the first question was to raise money for local charities but it was originally started to help the local boy scouts. According to the Dumas Noon Lions Website it was to help Llano Estacado Boy Scout Council to aid the Don Harrington Ranch home in scouting.

Dogie Days this year is June 8-11 of 2011 but they try to have it start the second Wednesday of each June.

The money is used to help over 40 nonprofit organization locally, statewide, nationally and around the world but mostly in Dumas.

What would kids want to know about Dogie Days? That it is fun and it helps local charities especially when you play games and buy food from the Lions on the south end of the midway.

The Dumas Noon Lions Club does have other fundraisers other than Dogie Days.  In October they have a Car Show and Arts/Craft Show.  They have a Election Night Pancake Supper every other year.

The manager of the club would be the President who the club calls their Boss Lion.  This year the Boss Lion is Tom Ferguson who is the owner of Ad Rem Land Co. Dumas Noon Lions Club also has three Vice Presidents which the 1st vice president is called the Head Wrangler.  The Head Wrangler actually is the person who heads up Dogie Days and this year it is Alexa Maples who works for Moore County Campus of Amarillo College.

Kids can be seen sometimes helping their parents or grandparents at Dogie Days but there is a youth group called Leos that is part of the local Lions Club.  

Leo clubs are designed for young people between 12 and 18 years of age.  

What is a Lion??  Good question!  What do you think a Lion is?  Lions International started in 1917 by Melvin Jones and is best know for fighting blindness.  Lions International is the largest service organization in the world.  Dumas Noon Lions Club is in the top five largest clubs in the world with 230 members.  Lions Club motto is "We Serve" which can be seen in action each year when the Dumas Noon Lions comes out in strength to put on it's annual event called Dogie Days.

Dumas/Moore County Chamber of Commerce has a new look to their website.  If you haven't checked it out yet go to http://www.dumaschamber.com/

Looks great and is user friendly.

Fast Facts About Your Local Boys Scouts Of America

Boy Scouts of America are represented by the Golden Spread Council located in Amarillo, TX.

The Golden Spread Council serves 26 counties in the Panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma, plus Happy, Texas.  Over 5,300 Scouts and nearly 1,900 adult volunteers are working in more than 225 scouting units throughout our served area.

Our Scouts have the opportunity to use more than 2,000 acres at 2 of our camp facilities such as:

o    Camp MK Brown, near Wheeler

o    Camp Don Harrington, near Canyon

The first Boy Scout Troop in the area started in Clarendon in 1916.  

The relationship between Lions Clubs International and Scouts dates back to the early 1900s.

As of January 11, 2005, U.S. Lions sponsored more than 2,879  Boy Scout units

which included 83,779 Scouts

Nearly 300 Boy Scouts have become Eagle Scouts over the past 5 years in this area.

There are currently two Cub Scout Packs: 3039 and 3047 in Dumas as well as one Boy Scout Troop 199.

The Cub Scout Pack 3039 is led by high quality leaders such as Kent and Trina Simnacher who proactively provide our young boys in Dumas with great leadership skills and fun activities.

Kent and Trina also encourage the boys to serve the community with a food bank for our troops, with the collaboration of the United Supermarket in Dumas.

Cub Scout Pack 3047 has a great program with the Church of Latter-day Saints and use the scouting program as a complementary way to teach their young boys good paths in life. Latter-Day Saints Church, President Gordon B Hinckley has stated:

"I love the Scouting movement. If every boy in America knew and observed the Scout Oath, we would do away with most of the jails and prisons in this country. This program builds boys, builds their futures, leads them on the right path so they can make something of their lives.  Every man or woman who helps a boy along the road of life not only does a great thing for him but does a great thing for society as a whole."

There are approximately 50 Cub Scouts in Moore County. We are always looking to "serve more boys"!

Sunray Cub Scout Pack 3036 has great enthusiasm to teach boys become great man through Scouting. The Cub Master Lindsey Reinart and the rest of the parents have put effort for years in order to have their boys enjoy different scouting activities

Boy Scout Troop 199 has outstanding leadership; Alan Alexander is the Scoutmaster, and

Kyle Carter is the Assistant Scoutmaster. This troop would love to serve more boys and spark the interest of a young man for scouting. This troop has a participation of 9 young boys.

SCOUT OATH OR PROMISE

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight. 

School District Board of Trustees Met on A January 24, 1011

The Dumas School Board meet Monday, January 24th in a regular called meeting.  An action item voted on was to appoint  Mark Stroebel to serve as the representative of Dumas ISD to the Regional Advisory Council for Region 16.  There were no Personnel items to vote on.  Because of the recent promotion of Mrs. Legg and Mr. Guerra there was a need to update three local policies to reflect their new titles along with a change to another policy to prevent political ads on school property. This was the first reading for the policies reflecting the changes.  Once implemented the new policies can be seen on the District's web page. www.dumas-k12.net
The current enrollment report showed 4,523 as opposed to 4,383 this time last year.  Dumas ISD Quarterly Investment Report was also presented to the board of trustees.  The following is the District Status Report for the period beginning January 2010 and ending December 2010:
click for next page of story.{{more}}

1. Accountability - TEA
Acceptable Rating
• Cactus Elementary

Recognized Rating
• High School
• Junior High
. Sunset Elementary
• Morningside Elementary

Exemplary Rating
• District
• Hillcrest Elementary
• Green Acres Elementary

2. Accountability - NCLB - AYP
• Morningside Elementary - Missed AYP - Year 2
• District
• Cactus
• Junior High - Missed AYP - Ycar I

3. Programs
• Teaming implemented at Dumas Intermediate
• C Scope implemented district wide
• Soccer implemented: Boys - Varsity, Girls - JV
• Instructional Technology Capital Improvement Budget - $150,000

4. Facilities
• Dumas Intermediate campus completed
• Junior High - Added new science labs, restrooms, elevator and atrium along
with remodel of2 science labs and art room. Building repainted on interior.
• High School- New entry plaza, complete remodel of halls, selected restrooms,
auditorium, main office complex and construction of west end addition of I 0
classrooms, 2 rcstrooms and physics lab
• District wide roof replacement/repair
• District wide replacement of selected HVAC units - 173 total
• Window replacements
o Junior High: Cafeteria, Shop, North Gym, Choir
o Sunset: Cafeteria
o Green Acres: Hall units
o Morningside: Hall units
• Walking track, sod and trees at Cactus
• Stage curtains replaced at Green Acres
• Curb/gutter replacement at Morningside and Green Acres

• Walking track at Hillcrest
• PA system at Hillcrest
• Interior painted at Sunset
• Asphalt lot constructed at High School - portable location
• High School confcrence room remodel
• High School Main Gym reserved seating replaced
• New goal posts at stadium
• Portable ticket booth purchased
• Scoreboard replacement for baseball and softball fields
• Stadium artificial turf
• Stadium dressing room annex
• Replacement of pole vault, long jump and high jump at stadium
• Ag Farm - Hog barn #3 completed
• Construction of Twitchell storage facility
• Relocation of Morningside portable to golf course
• Relocation of High School portable to softball field
• High School Life Skills moved from room 104 to remodeled rooms 150-152
• PPCD playground replaced
• Morningside playground upgrade
• Technology upgrades
o Ceiling mount projectors
o Document cameras
o Mobi's
o Set of 12 Flip cameras at each campus
• Demon Plaza at High School
• Parking lot around Tech/Food Service portables at High School
constructed
• Superintendent/Secretary offices updated

5. Positions
• Human Resource Director position created
• Discontinued Assessment Director Position
• New positions at D.I.S.
• Changed Human Resources Director to Assistant Superintendent for Personnel
• Change Assistant Superintendent to Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

6. Extra Curricular Activities
Spring 2010
• Wrestling - District Champs
• Baseball- Made Playoffs for first time in five years
• Track - Boys and Girls both had Regional Qualifiers
• Lexi Davis Regional Champ in discus and 2nd place at State Track Meet
• Volleyball- District Runner up, Area Champs, Advanced to Regional
Quarterfinals
• Boys Golf
• Tennis - Advanced to Regional Tournament
• DHS sent 2 students to State UIL Art Competition, both earned a 4 out of 4
Fall 2010
• Volleyball Cross Country - 2 Boys Qualify for Regional Meet

The board went into Executive Session to discuss item #8 on the Agenda and then dismissed.

Brent Clark sworn in

Brent Clark is seen taking his oath of office for the School District Board of Trustee.  Brent who accepted an appointment left vacant by Len Sheets will fill the remainder of the term for 2010-2011.
Brent is married to Nicole Clark and has three children.

Brent Clark sworn in by Martha Ames.

1400 Tires Have Been Collected To Date At The Landfill

County Commissioner Milton Pax reports that according to the city landfill that 1400 used tires have been collected to date.  "This service is provided to the residents of Moore County to eliminate unsightly eyesores" said County Commissioner Pax.

To read about this service click here

Harry Haines To Speak At Lions Club

TEXAS PANIC is about the cattle industry.  The climax of the story takes place in Dumas and features the "world's largest feed yard" located in a nearby small town.  "My talk for the Lions Club will include all my writings, but I will focus on TEXAS PANIC," said Mr. Haines.
Harry Haines is to speak at Dumas Noon Lions Club on Thursday, January 27th at noon.  If you are not a member you are welcome to join the Lions for lunch. 

Here is a little about his new book Texas Panic,

TEXAS PANIC by Harry Haines

B-S-E spells death. Cattle or human-if you get, you will die.

The Washington Post calls Texas veterinarian Dr. James Robert Masterson the "World's Foremost Expert" in BSE-Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, more commonly referred to as mad cow disease. Jim Bob, as he is known to friends and family, achieved his celebrity through a test he invented, a remarkable accomplishment considering the fact that Texas has never had a case of BSE.

Until now.

The story opens when a cow slips and goes down in a feed yard in Sagebrush, Texas, a tiny rural community sixty-five miles north of Amarillo. Bearing in mind that there are thirty-five million cattle in the Texas Panhandle, where one-third of the nation's fed beef is produced, one "downer" would hardly seem noteworthy.

But two factors escalate the seriousness of the incident. First, this was the health scare with everything-a gruesomely exotic disease, unknown dangers, bungling bureaucrats, and a common food item found in virtually every home. And second, the sensation-hungry American press finds the story irresistible.

Jim Bob is sure they have a false alarm. BSE has to come from somewhere. Infected prions don't mutate or appear spontaneously. But "The Masterson Test" becomes suspect as the USDA struggles to confirm its diagnosis. Meanwhile the panic escalates. Cattle futures tank. Beef processing plants close. Millions of Texas cattle become worthless. Billions are at stake.

Top Row: Coach- Misty Preston, Jordon Kiewiet, Adrianna Soliz, Macy Craigmiles, Baylie Wackler

Bottom Row: Leslie Nevarez, Kamree Wackler, Taylor Holt

Top Row: Coach- Misty Preston, Jordon Kiewiet, Adrianna Soliz, Macy Craigmiles, Baylie Wackler

Bottom Row: Leslie Nevarez, Kamree Wackler, Taylor Holt

Dumas Dynamite played in the Advanced Volleyball tournament this past weekend in Amarillo
and came home with another win. They are now 3 for 3. They beat the AEV 18's team 25-16
17-25, 15-12. The girls played a very exciting game for the championship. The girls are learning
to play together better every game. They are a edge of the seat team to watch, very exciting
volleyball team.

Thanks to Deletta Wackler for sending this information into the HPO Dumas.

Entrepreneur Champions Event
"Why The World Needs Entrepreneurial Thinking"

Just what is the entrepreneurial way of thinking? What makes entrepreneurs different? And how do you teach them? In this fast-paced talk, serial entrepreneur, lifelong student of business, and former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UT-Austin, Gary Hoover will discuss what he has learned from teaching and mentoring hundreds of students in many majors, with many different business ideas. 

$10 per person 
Includes two drink tickets, prime rib buffet and dessert
Amarillo Club 30th Floor, Sunburst Room
6th & Tyler
Amarillo, TX
Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011
05:30 PM - 08:00 PM 

Networking Breakfast February 4th

Friday, February 4, is the date for the Dumas/Moore County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center's first Networking Breakfast of 2011.
Guest speaker will be Mark Stroebel, new Superintendent of the Dumas Independent School District.
The Good Neighbor Award will be given by the Women's Division of the Chamber and the first quarter's Customer Service Award will also be presented at the breakfast.
Price for the breakfast is $5 and is at the Dumas Noon Lions Club Bldg. at 7 a.m.

For more information please contact the Chamber at 806-935-2123.  All guests are welcome

Dr. David Bonner was elected to represent the City of Dumas on the Dumas Economic Development Corporation board by the city commissioners on Monday night the 17th of January.

City Commissioner Will Vote On Landfill Issue At February 7th City Meeting

The City of Dumas as been looking at the Landfill Issue for two years or more with no decisions made.  February 7, 2010 is the next city meeting and the issue of whether to build their own landfill or contract out the city's waste will be decided at this meeting.
If you as a citizen feel you want your voice heard before the final decision this will be your chance to be heard.  The City staff, the Mayor and City Commissioners have looked at the issue long and hard with many options available but a decision has to be made to meet government deadlines.
The Dumas City Commission meet in the Dumas Police Department in the Municipal Court Room at 124 E. 7th Street.

Chili Throwdown

At The 580 Steakhouse
North of Dumas,TX by the city Golf Course
Portions of the proceeds will go to The Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas

January 29th at 7 p.m.

$50 a team

$5.00 tasting cover charge

There is a public judging and a competitive judging.  
All chili will be moved to the banquet hall for the chili tasting.  

Dead line for entry is January 27th. 

Call 935-1126 or 930-8452 for details or email five80steaks@yahoo.com or check for more information on Facebook.

The 580 will provide a DJ for your entertainment pleasure .

Weather permitting bring cookers to the patio, if not you can bring chili already prepared.  


Watch Michelle and Herb on KVII Channel 7 Friday morning at 5:55 A.M. talking about this event.

Northern Panhandle Business Women Club Held First Meeting Of The Year

L-R Ashleigh Wiswell-President,
Alexa Maples-Guest Speaker, Angie Jordan

The Northern Panhandle Business Women Club meet at the Five Eighty Steakhouse for their monthly meeting.  Ashleigh Wiswell led an Icebreaker, which was a game designed to get to know each other. Yvonne Blue shared an Inspirational thought with the group that was about patience and then Gayle Stowers led in a Team Building activity where each of the participants took a piece of copier paper and turned it into a structure that would be as tall as they could get it.  Angie Jordan then introduce the speaker for the Educational part of the meeting.


Alexa Maples, President of the Women's Chamber Division spoke about her organization to the club.  Educational it was for many of the members of the Northern Panhandle Business Women.  They learned what the Women's Chamber Division was about and all they do in Moore County.  Here is a list of things that the Women's Chamber Division help with:

• Operation Thank You
• 4th of July
• Backyard Tours
• Texhoma Park
• Christmas Lights, Judging
• Yard of the Week
• Decorate For the Chamber Banquets & Receptions
• Annual Chamber Dinner
• Agricultural and Industry Banquet
• Present Good Neighbor Award at Quarterly Networking Breakfast

The Northern Panhandle Business Women discussed the upcoming TBW Spring Leadership meeting and a future fundraiser.

2N Ford Tractor

The Window on the Plains Museum has a new loaner antique tractor on display.  The 2N Ford tractor belonged to John A Scott, the grandfather of Patricia Hammit and Patsy Montoya who are loaning the tractor to the Museum.  Patricia and Patsy are the twin daughters of Joe and June Scott of Dumas, Texas.

A little history of the 2N tractor 

The story of the deal between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson, which was sealed with only a handshake, has been told so many times by so many authors that I'm not sure exactly what happened. Basically, Harry Ferguson invented the three-point hitch and Ford agreed to put it on his new Ford 9N tractor. Called the "Ferguson System", this three-point hitch was put together using a combination of linkage (three different linkage points, two on bottom and one on top) and hydraulics. It use to be that hooking up an implement to a tractor was a major affair. Farmers had hoists and helpers and all kinds of inovative ways to get that heavy thing hooked up. With the Ferguson System they need only back up to the implement, hook it up, raise it with the hydraulics and off they went.

History thanks to http://www.9nford.com/

The Dumas Dynamite Win Championship InThe Gold Bracket

Pictured Top Row: Jordon Kiewiet, Macy Craigmiles, Adrianna Soliz, Leslie Nevarez, Baylie Wackler  

Coach  Jerry Swaim  Bottom Row: Ashli Swaim, Taylor Holt, Kamree Wackler

The Dumas Dynamite played in the AEV January Jam tournament this past weekend, winning the Championship in the Gold bracket. They played very well in pool play and bracket play.  These girls are getting better every tournament, they play well together and we can't wait to see them push on. They were in the division 2, they play again this Saturday at the courts in Amarillo in the Advanced Volleyball Tournament.


The results for the AEV tournament is as follows: 
Division 2   Gold Bracket:
1st Dumas Dynamite-16
2nd AEV 17-national
3rd AEV 15-national
3rd AEV 17-Borger Boom

don

At the Dumas City Commissioner meeting Monday night Don Parsons received a very nice plaque presented by Mayor Pat Sims. Don Parsons said, "The city of Dumas is in good hands. I enjoyed my short stay on the commission."

Don Parsons tendered his resignation at Monday, January 3, 2011 city meeting.  Don due to city policy that a Commissioner can not be in office if a relative works for the city, tendered his resignation effected January 14, 2011.  Don's son Dustin applied for and started work on January 4, 2011 for the City of Dumas in a new position in the IT Department.  Don who is a retired educator and business man did not want to stand in his son's way of working for the City if offered the position.  Dustin received the offer of a job and Don stepped down.

Oklahoma City Bound

AEV Wicked Volleyball- Dumas

Oklahoma City bound!! Dumas has a team headed to Oklahoma City for a volleyball tournament! Eight dedicated 8^th grade girls with the support of their families along with the best coaches created a team under the sponsorship of Amarillo Elite Volleyball Club. The team was formed to help improve the individual players’ skills and improve the caliber of competitive volleyball played in the Texas panhandle. This allows the athletes opportunities for advanced play and exposure to college recruiters.

Amarillo Elite Volleyball is a non-profit organization that has a mission to help young women become the best volleyball athletes they can be while providing them opportunities to learn leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a drive for excellence in life. This club gives our girls the opportunity to participate in the USA Volleyball (USAV) program.

Girls have to be (USAV) certified through USA volleyball for scorekeeping and refereeing. They will be learning all aspects of the game.

Wicked Players:

Jenni Frische

Christian Rhoades

Jacie Eudy

Julian Boggs

Karlene Arias

Teagan Penland

Sydney Thomas

Katie Campbell

Wicked Coaches:

JaNan Grice

Holly Nelson

Donations to help equip these girls are tax deductible and can be mailed to Cindy Rhoades, 403 Bailey or call her at 806-341-8777. She will bring some WICKED girls to pick it up!!  We are so thankful to live in a community that supports opportunities such as this.  We are excited to keep DUMAS competitive without driving to Amarillo for practices. 

Wicked Volleyball Team Wins Championship

The 8th grade volleyball team traveled to Amarillo for the January Jam AEV tournament, Jan. 15th.

Wicked had a very successful day and came home with Gold medal! The team played in a 15-2  bracket. They will be bumped up to a 15-1 bracket in the next tournament. The Wicked Players are as follows: (top row) Katie Campbell, Christian Rhoades, Julian Boggs, Karlene Arias (bottom rom) Jacie Eudey, Jenni Frische, Sydney Thomas, and Teagan Penland. The Wicked Coaches: JaNan Grice and Holly Nelson. This group of 13 and 14 year olds played awesome at the Redlands last weekend. The girls will travel to several tournaments this semester.

Sumbitted by Holli Boggs

AEV Wicked Volleyball

City Repair Sidewalks

 Customers parking on 6th Street near Dumas Ave. will have better access to the sidewalk and businesses with the new improvements made by the City of Dumas.

Sam Cartwright Re-Elected To Texas Chamber

Sam Cartwright, President/CEO of the Dumas/Moore County Chamber of Commerce, has been re-elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.

TCCE is the premier organization for chamber of commerce professionals in the state of Texas that enhances professional growth of its members while developing skills to improve the business climate in Texas.  This organization has over 300 Texas chambers and affiliates as members.

Cartwright says this is indeed an honor for him and brings recognition to Dumas and Moore County.

Leadership Dumas/Moore County For January Update

Last month this Leadership group learned about Public Safety with both the city and county entities.  On January 12, 2011 this group was schooled in the "ABC's of Local Government".  They started their day at the Dumas Police Department Conference Room with donuts and coffee (yes it's funny).  City Manager Vince DiPiazza spoke to the group about City Government, City Commission Budget and then toured the city facilities.

They toured the landfill, animal shelter and seen in the picture above at the very top the recycling area.

One of the dogs from the animal shelter even got rescued by one of the participants of the Leadership group who could not stand the thought of it being put down.

The group moved to the County Commissioners' Courtroom on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse to learn about County Government with Moore County Judge Rowdy Rhoades.  Elected officials and department heads spoke with the Leadership group at lunch.  The group then toured the Airport, County Barn, Library and First Street Annex.

Keith Villyard Promoted to Director of Marketing, Sales, and Development

AMARILLO ~ Lone Star Ballet announces today that Keith Villyard, Director of Sales since 2007, has been promoted from within the organization to the position of Director of Marketing, Sales, and Development. 

Keith has played a key role at Lone Star Ballet since 2005, a pivotal year that began a significant period of growth and success unmatched in the company’s thirty-five year history.  Since 2005 Lone Star Ballet accomplishments include facility development and expansion of a new campus at its Amarillo headquarters, inaugural status as a resident company of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, the production of The New Nutcracker, expansion of Lone Star Dance Academy to six locations throughout the Texas Panhandle and five fold growth in enrollment.

Craig Henderson, Executive Director announces, “We are very pleased to make this promotion from within.”  Sighting the importance of the company’s long term success, Henderson states, “Keith’s professionalism, performance, and demeanor in sales have been influential in achieving our excellent record of customer relations and growth.”  Henderson adds, “Keith is known for his ability to overcome problems during challenging times.”  Click Here for {{more}}

 A transplant from Longview, Texas, to the Texas Panhandle in 1991, Keith arrived to perform in the musical drama TEXAS, under the direction of Neil Hess.   He has been active in the arts here ever since.  “I love the plains and its people.  I love the arts here and the sky.   I had never seen the sky before West Texas,” says Villyard.  Keith remained here to attend West Texas A&M University attaining a Theatre Degree and a Teaching Certificate.

A member-volunteer at First Baptist Church Amarillo, Villyard directs drama under the leadership of Dan Baker, Minister of Music.  Dan Baker notes, “Keith’s dedication to the arts in our church and in this community surpasses any I have ever seen.  As I begin any project, I consider his input and opinion.  Lending direction, clarity, and passion to everything he does, Keith is a valuable asset and a great friend to First Baptist.”

Villyard began his duties January 3, 2011, and stands ready to assist the area media to report the news and events of Lone Star Ballet, whose mission is to produce and promote the art of dance; and contribute to the education, culture and entertainment of the people of the Texas Panhandle.            

Dumas Dynamite Volleyball

Dumas Dynamite Volleyball Team

Dumas Dynamite Volleyball Top Row: Misty Preston(Coach), Macey Craigmiles, Adrianna Soliz, Leslie Naveraz, Baylie Wackler, Jerry Swaim(Coach). Bottom Row: Ashley Swaim, Kamree Wackler, Jordon Kiewit. Not pictured: Taylor Holt Dynamite played in the Jett volleyball tournament Jan, 8, 2011 in Amarillo. The girls went  undefeated. They won the championship game 25-12, 25-7. They all played very well and  look forward to an awesome season.              

USDA Safeguards Prove Successful In Administration Of Farm Programs

Farm Service Agency Procedural Controls Protect Taxpayers from Fraud and Abuse

(COLLEGE STATION, TX), - Juan M. Garcia, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Texas today used the release of a final rule that targets fraud and abuse of farm programs to join FSA Administrator Jonathan Coppess and state again his unequivocal commitment to accuracy. At issue has been the dispersal of payments to agricultural producers after an individual’s death, a situation that is covered in the final rule published in the Federal Register on Dec. 28, 2010.

“It is common and legally required for USDA to pay estates of producers who die, because heirs have legal rights to receive program payments earned during the farmer’s lifetime,” said Garcia. “Generally, error rates have been small, but an audit in 2007 highlighted areas for improvement. Since then, we at FSA have worked hard to make procedural improvements that have further reduced error rates and are saving taxpayers significantly. We are codifying those improvements with this final regulation.”

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit in 2007 found that the vast majority of farm payments were made properly. Only two percent of payments to estates of deceased farmers were paid when the estate was not entitled to payment. Still, this error rate prompted USDA to implement additional safeguards and to strengthen data reconciliation procedures to ensure that payments made on behalf of deceased persons were not distributed incorrectly. As a result, in 2008, errors dropped to .008 percent, and in 2009, they fell even further to .007 percent.
Click Here for{{more}}

FSA additional safeguards include:

• Each quarter (double the amount of time required by the law); USDA matches individuals who receive FSA program payments with data provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if any program recipient is deceased.

• Under the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program, counter-cyclical payments may be legally issued up to two years and three months after program enrollment. The same taxpayer identification number must be used for the entire program payment period to properly track the issuance of program benefits.

• Deceased individual listings are investigated through local FSA county offices. FSA would only pay a farmer after death when the farmer applied for the benefit before death and is eligible to receive the benefit, but died before the payment was received. These cases account for payments made by FSA to deceased individuals.

For more information about the Farm Service Agency and Farm Programs please visit your local USDA Service Center or FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Card Buffet At The Art Center For All Your Card Needs

Margaret Parsons is hosting a Card Buffet on Monday, January 17 at the Art Center (1810 South Dumas Ave) from 7pm-9pm. You can create 12 all-occasion cards for a variety of occasions. 

Delight your friends with hand made cards celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries or friendship. We will even sneak in some Valentine’s Day cards! 

Reserve your spot today!! Registration is $25. Deadline for registration is January 14. Hope to see you there!!! Margaret Parsons 114 Mulberry Dumas, Texas 79029 806-922-7425

 E-mail: meparsons@cableone.net www.craftwithmargaret.stampninup.net 

Providing Hope in Haiti One Year Later

LCIF Visit to Haiti, 02-25-10

Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, January 10, 2011 – Six hundred families are moving into new homes, thanks to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Lions around the world. These families lost everything on January 12, 2010, after the devastating 7.0 earthquake. Lions were among the first to offer help, providing food, water and shelter. One year later, Lions are still helping in Haiti.

In October, Renande Pierre-Louis and her family of seven moved from their Lions-provided tent into a new provisional home. Families living in the Lions’ tent cities will benefit through this project. View photos of these homes.

LCIF is working with HELP, a German non-governmental organization (NGO), to provide the homes. HELP has a 30-year history of providing humanitarian assistance. In nearly 20 countries around the world, the organization supports communities based on need. In Haiti, HELP is reconstructing homes for victims of the earthquake.

“The houses, earthquake and hurricane proof, will be built where the families were living before the earthquake,” said Pierre-Richard Duchemin of the Port-au-Prince Delmas Lions Club. “Renande Pierre-Louis, her husband and six children are the first beneficiaries.”

This is the first major project using resources from LCIF’s Haiti Earthquake fund that totals more than US$6.1 million in donations from Lions worldwide. In total, US$2 million will support the housing project. LCIF allocated US$1.4 million, Lions from Germany contributed US$696,250 and HELP is providing administrative costs.

To identify beneficiaries, Lions and HELP surveyed each camp to find people with the greatest need to relocate. Once homes are complete, beneficiaries will receive basic furniture for their houses. In addition, latrines and other essentials will be provided for the community.

At this time, a limited number of NGOs are supporting provisional housing, even though there is a considerable need. The 600 homes significantly add to the number of provisional houses in Haiti, as only 5,000 have been built to date. Still, nearly 225,000 are needed. The end goal is to shift all people living in Lions’ tents to provisional housing.

Lions and LCIF have had a strong presence in Haiti since the earthquake. Within hours of the quake, LCIF received unprecedented interest from people worldwide who wanted to help.  {{more}}

“Lions’ response to rebuilding Haiti is truly incredible,” said Eberhard J. Wirfs, Chairperson of Lions Clubs International Foundation. “Following the earthquake, Lions gave generously to support relief efforts and remain committed to providing hope moving forward.”

A US$50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant was awarded immediately. Lions in the Dominican Republic collected goods and used LCIF funds to purchase relief supplies including medical aid, food and clean drinking water. View a video of these relief efforts.

Three tent cities in the Port-au-Prince neighborhoods of Delmas, Blanchard and Carrefour-Feuille were established to house people who lost their homes. Nearly 2,500 people still reside in these establishments. The tent cities have become communities in a sense, providing essential needs for the people living there. All of them have a market to sell and buy goods, a worship space and a clinic that provides medical care.

Lions leaders and LCIF staff have visited the area several times, most recently in September 2010, to help in developing long-term plans and assess ongoing needs. Other projects are currently being reviewed. Additionally, the Lions of Haiti have formed a committee of Lions leaders for Haiti, Dominican Republic and neighboring countries to oversee the reconstruction efforts.

LCIF is leveraging Lions' donations through collaboration with other NGOs and corporations committed to rebuilding Haiti. The International Organization of Migration provided supplies and assistance to Lions camps. LCIF also partnered with the shipping company, Maersk, and the World Food Program, to ship tents donated by Lions of Sweden and food donated by the World Food Program, to Haiti free of charge. The Foundation continues discussions with other organizations to partner on projects in Haiti.

Moving forward, LCIF remains committed to rebuilding Haiti. Projects will be implemented over the long-term and additional projects are currently being reviewed.Similar to other disasters, Lions hope to rebuild homes and hospitals, redevelop the eye care delivery system, and provide help for those with disabilities, including those disabled because of this disaster.

“The Haitian Lions Relief and Reconstruction Committee, working jointly with all the Haitian Lions clubs and LCIF, has a strategic approach to give a much bigger dimension to our efforts and to LCIF funds,” said Duchemin.

Restoring hope to Haitians will offer them a better future, much like Pierre-Louis and her family. LCIF is dedicated to restoring this hope for years to come, and this is made possible through the generous support of the Lions international family.

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Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world with 1.35 million members in 206 geographic areas and countries. LCIF awards nearly US$2 million annually for Lions-led disaster relief efforts. Last year alone, relief efforts helped 118,050 people following disasters. LCIF was ranked by a Financial Times' study as the number one non-governmental organization with which to partner. Contribute at www.lcif.org/donate.