The Cherokeean. (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 130, No. 47, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 10, 1980 Page: 1 of 14

|TEXAS PRESS)
ASSOCIATION
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54.36
Box 4543
-. Texas
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The Cherokeean
Volume 130
15c per Issue
14 Pages
Number 47
Texas" oldest weekly newspaper, established as the Cherokee Sentinel February 27.1850
Rusk, Texas 75785, Thursday, January 10,1980
Home of
The Texas State Railroad
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City Opens Bids; Secretary Resigns
In a nine-item agenda meeting
Tuesday evening, three Rusk
Councilmen and the Mayor accepted
bids for two vehicles, authorized the
purchase of up to 10 paging units for
Rusk Volunteer Firemen, adopted an
inter-governmental agency contract
between the city and county for
expenditure of funds toward
ambulance service and tabled for
action two bids for computer
equipment at city hall.
m
I'M;!;
iter
I
'Round
Town
with
Mrs. Roundabout
"Now I know what separates man
from the other beasts-financial
worries." I spotted this wisdom on a
box of tea and wondered what ever
' "happened to the fine art of reading the
future in a cup of tea? It is probably as
' good as any other method for second-
guessing what tomorrow will bring.
But why give it a thought at all.
Tomorrow isn't here yet and
"sufficient for today are the problems
thereof!"
The new year is still so barely
arrived, it has hardly had time to let
out a healthy, loud yell. But then it
doesn't do that, does it? We human
beings are the ones who react with
smiles and tears as we observe the
passing of-the year, whether new or
old.
Earth shaking events are just not
our style here in the inner sanctum of
East Texas. For most of us life is a
series of many lesser events. The glad
and the sad. The little things that we
simply call "life." And the barely
begun year is no different. With joy,
we learn babies are being born,
mournfully we note the passing of
good friends and neighbors.
A frantic round of activities will be
shaping up which occupy the minds of
young people and their leaders. And
some for adults, too. It is good to
participate in, to share in, the events
which comprise life in Rusk.
And life is moving on, that's for
sure! Some whose lives the new year
has touched in very unforgettable
ways includes the family and friends
of Mrs. Doris Mayes who lost in her
fight with a malignancy. On the good
news side, Vicki Morris Kelley, wife
of Lynn Kelley, is recuperating after
surgery at Park Plaza Hospital in
Houston. She had a malignant mole
removed from her leg Monday. The
surgery was extensive and reports
are favorable. Their three-year old
son, Christopher, is in Rusk with
grandparents, Gene and Ginger
Kelley.
Charlotte Wilkerson is another of
our citizens who has recently had
similar surgery, but on the neck. She
is now back home and anxiously
awaiting a full time return to teaching
duties at Rusk Elementary. Florence
Ocker was telling us of her dad's
serious illness and James and Genelle
Richards are anxiously awaiting
reports of his brother Chesley's
condition. He is in Methodist Hospital
at Houston.
It's the ups and the downs that mark
the calendar of time. Jack Fitts is like
yours truly, glad to have his annual
bout with cold bugs just about
whipped. Himself is struggling with
an absessed tooth and not to be
outdone by others in the ache
department, the young Herself,
Wendee, home between semesters,
had the untimely experience of
getting stung on the foot by a red
wasp! And you thought they were a
hazard of summer only? So did II
Guess it goes to prove that while some
events tend to occur "in season,"
'taint necessarily true!
No matter the season.. It it always a
good time to wish others well when
life's water is choppy. And o all of
you whose boat may be rocking. Just
remember that "today It the
tomorrow you worried about
yesterday...the past cannot be
changed...the future It still In your
power." And with you. we hope lor a
bright future., tor Individual!...for
our family community. The lea leave#
«ay It' poetlble!
Until w*t wtrt?
Present were Mayor James V.
Fisher, Councilmen John Hunter,
Lewie Byers and Donald Dickerson.
Fred Lunsford and Jim Thompson
were absent.
During the meeting Ron Cox, city
manager, announced that Pete Acker,
city secretary, had submitted his
letter of resignation the day before.
He made the announcement during a
discussion of computer equipment
which he anticipates will remedy
some of the existing problems in
administration. Cox stated that he felt
Acker's resignation was related to a
"need for this kind of equipment."
Acker's reason given in the letter,
according to Cox expressed
"irreconcilable differences in
management concepts" at City Hall.
Mrs. Nell McNatt has been named
acting city secretary.
Two bids, both in the neighborhood
of $25,000, were submitted by
Burroughs Corporation and IBM. On
recommendation of Mayor Fisher,
action was tabled until the next
meeting. Bids called for a program
which will allow the City to process
the general ledger, accounts billing,
accounts payable, payroll and
ambulance service. Both companies
had representatives present to
explain the equipment charges,
service maintenance contracts and
machine capabilities.
Action was deferred on the basis
that IBM had demonstrated its
equipment, and councilmen hope to
see the Burroughs computer in use.
Cedar Creek was cited by that firm's
representative as a comparable
operation.
Both companies provide for the
training of personnel in their bids and
each offers the possibility of
expansion to include statements of ad
valorem taxes.
It was pointed out by the city
manager that savings can be derived
through the use of the computer by
eliminating at least one clerical
position, estimated at $6,500 per year
and in the processing of delinquent
bills.
The Council accepted a low bid from
Pearman Motor Co. of Alto for a 1980
Dodge Aspen to be used by the police
department at a cost of $6,853.36. Bids
were also received from Rusk Motor
Sales, Inc. for a 1980 Ford at a cost of
$7,435 and Isaacs Motor Co., Inc. for
$7,839.80.
Rusk Motor Sales, Inc. was low
bidder for a small pick-up with $5,321
for a 1980 Ford Courier. Also bidding
was Isaacs Motor Co., Inc. at $5,446.30
and Pearman Motor Co. at $5,465.61.
Federal Revenue Sharing funds were
allocated for the vehicle purchases.
A large group of firemen were
present to hear council action on the
request for a paging system. Clifford
Harris, fire chief, explained that the
present system of each fireman
calling five others (which usually
means the fireman's wife) is
inadequate and time consuming. He
expressed the hope that ultimately 25
paging systems can be provided, but
until then, "we'll work with what you
can give us."
Irvin Conley, a guest at the
meeting, asked numerous questions
regarding the selection of firemen for
F iling Begins
Monday, Feb. 4 will be the deadline
for filing for political office for the
Democratic Primary election in May.
First official day to file was Saturday,
Jan. 5.
Candidates who wish to file must do
so with County Democratic Chairman
John Robert Adamson in
Jacksonville.
Terms which expire this year
include the office of County Attorney,
currently held by Charles Holcomb;
This Friday Noon
Chamber Sets
Annual Meet
The annual meeting of Chamber of Commerce members
will be held at 12 noon Friday, Jan. 11 in Petticoat Junction.
The gathering is "Dutch Treat," according to 1980's new
president, Bruce Stovall.
"This is a requirement of our by-laws, and last year's noon
meeting was very successful. We hope this one will be met
with equal response and enthusiasm," he said. The annual
banquet is to be held in the fall, in conjunction with the
celebration of Indian Summer Festival which includes the
Arts and Crafts Fair, also a production by the Cherokee Civic
Theatre.
An Executive Committee meeting has already been held,
according to Stovall, who says he will work to re-organize the
structure from A to Z, beginning at the ground level and build
up for a better Rusk and area.
"The directors will meet at 12 noon Monday, Jan. 14 and
hopefully we can begin with new plans for a new year,"
states Stovall.
He urges all members to attend Friday's luncheon Precinct 6
Terms also expire for all Precinct
Chairmen.
Sheriff, currently held by Allen
Horton; Tax Assessor-Collector,
currently held by Mrs. Linda Beard;
District Attorney, incumbent Pete
Menefee; District Judge, incumbent
Morris W. Hassell.
Also, County Commissioner,
Precinct One, incumbent William
Kennedy; Commissioner. Precinct
Three, incumbent Joe Henderson;
County Chairman, incumbent John
Robert Adamson and the offices of all
six constables. Incumbent constables
include Precinct One, Billy Lovelady ;
Precinct Two, Alton Hicks; Precinct
Three, Lewis Lane; Precinct Four,
Buford Gray; Precinct 5, W. W. Petty
and Precinct 6, J. Alvin Milstead.
Election will also be held to fill the
three year unexpired term of the late
H. B. Underwood, former Justice of
the Peace, Precinct 4. The office is
currently being held by Mrs. Gladys
Underwood.
State Representative Emmett H.
Whitehead, District 15, has also
announced his candidacy for
reelection.
At presstime Tuesday, County
Chairman Adamson reported the
following persons who have officially
filed for office in Cherokee County:
Joe Henderson, Commissioner,
Precinct 3; LeRue Dixon III, District
Attorney; Allen Horton, Sheriff; H. H.
(Mack) Watson, Constable, Precinct
1; Mike Sullivan, District Attorney.
Also, C. B. Adams and Lewis J.
Lane, Constable, Precinct 3; B. D.
Garner, Sheriff; Ray Jimerson,
Chairman, Precinct 9; William
Kennedy, Commissioner, Precinct 1
and Alvin Milstead, Constable,
the department, specifically asking if
a member of the Black community
might be allowed to serve. He was
advised that a waiting list exists and
that the organization is just that,
"voluntary," by Mayor Fisher.
Conley reported several instances
where property in the Addition has not
been adequately served. He reported
that most recently, the home of O. C.
Collier burned and firemen arrived at
the scene with an empty truck. He
cited another instance when water
pressure was too low to aid in saving
Fred Turner's home. He suggested
that if the firemen train several
members of the area in fire-fighting
techniques and provide them with
hoses at the hydrants, it might
prevent needless loss of property.
The Mayor added his approval to
the proposal and suggested that
Conley discuss the matter with the
fire chief and fire marshal, L. L.
Wilcox.
In negotiating the new contract
between the city and county, it was
noted by Mayor Fisher that Rusk's
ambulance service is "working well"
with volunteers through Rusk
Memorial Hospital.
A guest at the meeting, George
Bourque. stated that Jacksonville and
North Cherokee County are getting
"excellent ambulance service" from
Professional Ambulance Service. He
also asked about the solicitation of
subscribers by that firm in the Rusk
area. Larry Sinclair, city attorney,
admitted there is no way legally, to
prevent this, but Mayui fisher said he
would "frown on it." Bourque
admitted on questioning by the city
manager that his son is the operator
of the service in Jacksonville.
The contract between the city and
county is for a one year period and
covers the use of $13,650 allocated to
Rusk by the County government.
Mayor Fisher indicated that some of
this may perhaps be reserved toward
the purchase of a new ambulance in
the future. The balance of funds will
be used in service to Rusk and area
adjoining, he explained.
The council also voted to authorize
the mayor to make application to the
East Texas Council of Governments
tor assistance in the operation of the
elderly transportation program. The
city manager explained that it is
presently operating at a cost of
approximately $15,000 per year and
accommodates approximately 45
persons.
Members of the Parks Advisory
Board were re-appointed for three-
year terms as follows: Louis Nelms,
Bill Draper, J. W. CaYter, Carol
Stovall, Clyde Weaver, Johnny
Williams Sr., Bobby Townley, Perkins
Holcomb, James I. Perkins and
Councilman Jimmy Thompson, ex-
officio.
Permission was also granted to the
mayor to pursue a grant from ETCOG
for the purchase of a 35 mm. camera
to be used by the city police
department.
Bills were approved for payment,
also minutes of previous meetings,
during the two hour session.
Weaver Cited
Jamie Weaver was honored as
"Fireman of the Year'at the annual
meeting of the Rusk Volunteer Fire
Department attended by members,
their wives and guests Monday night.
The honored volunteer was praised
for his knowledge, dedication and
loyalty in rendering outstanding ser-
vice, above and beyond the call of
duty. Weaver received a plaque from
Allen Gilchrest who acted as master
of ceremonies for the dinner meeting
in the Rusk High School cafeteria.
Gilchrest was joined in his praise of
Weaver by Mayor James V. Fisher
who installed officers.
Prior to installation Mayor Fisher
cited a comparison of statistics for
1978 and 1979 which reflect a decrease
in the number of fire calls answered
for Rusk and Cherokee County. Rusk
had 43 in 1978 and there were 99 in the
county. For the year just ended, the
firemen answered 38 calls in Rusk and
75 in the county.
Expressing appreciation for the
mw
PtniCMRN'll DINNKR-Program participant* at the annual Flremen't Dinner and.offlcer Inxtallallon are pictured here. .Seated from
left are Jamie Weaver, honored an "Fireman of the Year." Jamen Campbell. I.. L. Wilcox and June Cleveland. Standing (l-r> are
Mavor Jamen V. Klnher. Clifford Harria, W.C. t Spook ) Norman. Pete («rimen, H. C. Manned, Doyle Hanberry and Allen tiilchrent.
ntafl photo
trust and responsibility the firemen
fulfill so capably, Mayor Fisher
installed these officers: Clifford
Harris, fire chief; W.C. (Spooks)
Norman, first assistant chief; Pete
Grimes, second assistant; R.C.
Hassell, secretary; Doyle Rasberry,
treasurer; Jamie Weaver, member-
ship and attendance; James C. Camp-
bell, trustee; Pete Grimes, reporter;
•See FIREMEN
Regional
Status
Dropped
The Tourist Committee of the Rusk
Chamber of Commerce voted
Tuesday evening to reject a contract
between themselves and the Texas
Arts and Crafts Foundation and to
give up the status of a regional fair.
The meeting was held in the Chamber
of Commerce office with Charles
Warren presiding.
The decision to reject the contract
came after a lengthly discussion by
those members attending. They were
Mrs. Virginia Penney, Mrs. Flossie
Nixson, Will Cumby, Mrs. Lynn
Padgett, Mr. at.d Mrs. Paul Cox, Mrs.
Mary Buchanan, Mrs. Sarah
Summers and Chamber Secretary
Mrs. Mary Moore.
In other action, Cumby and Mrs.
Padgett were named co-chairmen of
the Tourist Committee. The group
voted to hold regular meetings at noon
on Fridays, with the exact dates to be
announced later.
Mrs. Moore reported on the
financial condition of the committee.
She reported that a total of $3,517.00
had been paid for an advertisement in
the East Texas Vacation Guide and
50,000 new Rusk brochures. An
additional $1,500 has been paid for the
moving of the old Catholic Church
building to the Rusk City Park.
Additional miscellaneous bills
presented for payment totaled $436.62
leaving the committee with a bank
balance of $341.88.
The committee voted to cash in two
certificates of deposits valued at
$2,323.08. Additional expenditures to
be paid in the near future include
$1,200 for repairs to the Catholic
Church, $40.00 for clean up on the lot
where the church was moved from
and $350 for moving the llonner Bank
building to the Ru«k City Parl^