The Tulia Herald (Tulia, Tex.), Vol. 81, No. 22, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 1, 1989 Page: 1 of 32
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Tocker Foundation Grant and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Swisher County Library.
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County On Threshold Of Having Prison
Informational Meeting Scheduled Thursday, June 8, In Memorial Building
Swisher County is on the threshold of becom-
ing the home to a detention center, or in
layman's terms, a prison!
Not only that, but the county has appointed
directors to the Swisher County Jail Financing
Corporation, which would operate the facility
and lease it back to the county.
The facility would t>c owned by the county
when the indebtedness is retired in a maximum
of 20 years.
Although "there are a lot of details to be
worked out," according to County Judge Jay
Johnson, rumors of the proposed detention
center are now literally a stone's throw from
becoming a reality.
During a called Tuesday morning meeting of
the commissioners court, Commissioner A. G.
House offered a motion that the Swisher County
Jail Financing Corporation (SCJFC) be formed.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner W.
C. (Buzz) Wcatherrcd and unanimously
adopted.
V. H. Hannan Jr., Bill Daniel and Marshall
Shelton were appointed as initial directors of the
corporation.
The detention center would have 5(X) beds
and would have a staff numbering "a minimum
of 100." The average annual salary would
probably be "in the $19,000 to $20,(XX) range."
Persons incarcerated in the center would be
"medium and minimum risk prisoners, with no
maximum risk inmates."
The site would be in the Tulia area although
no definite selection has been announced.
Greater Swisher County Industrial Foundation
is working with landowners on a possible site,
which would have to be approved by investors
and organizers of the project. Land needed for
the facility would be 50 acres, according to Bill
Daniel, executive vice president of both the
industrial foundation and Tulia Chamber of
Commerce.
"I'm excited about it and I believe our citizens
will be," Judge Johnson told The Herald. "I
believe our county is ready for this type of
industry." He termed it a non-competitive in-
dustry; it will not compete with anyone."
MEETING SCHEDULED
In an attempt to better acquaint Swisher resi-
dents with the proposal, a public informational
meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday,
June 8, in Swisher County Memorial Building.
"There is nothing secret about this in any
way," the judge says. "We seek the public's
comments. We’ll listen to any questions and
we'll try to answer them; we'll address any
concerns."
Representatives of the project developer,
investment banker, issue counsel for the project
and possibly others are expected to attend the
meeting, outline the project in depth and answer
questions.
"We've worked long and hard on this project
and we believe we have the public's support, but
we want the citizens to know the facts," Judge
Johnson says.
He emphasizes that "this will be a privately
owned and operated facility." which will be
leased to the county.
He explained during the Tuesday morning
session that "by going through a government
entity" (the county, in this case), the bonds
issued by investors would be exempt from fed-
eral income taxes.
A contingent of representatives from the
county governing body, City of Tulia, Greater
Swisher County Industrial Foundation and
Tulia Chamber of Commerce met last week
with prospective investors, organizers, contrac-
tors and others in Dallas.
Investors anticipate six such facilities being
placed at various locations across Texas. Each
center would represent an investment of ap-
proximately $10 million.
However, each "would stand on its own" and
be locally administered although the same in-
vestment bank would be involved.
LEASE-PURCHASE PLAN
"The concept is very simple," Judge Johnson
explains. It would involve a lease-purchase
plan, not greatly different from a lease-purchase
of an automobile by an individual.
"The plan is technically risk-free to the
county," J udge Johnson says. "The investors arc
the only ones with any risk."
Investors would have "absolutely no attach-
ment" on the county's tax base nor any county
assets. Only revenue generated by the center
would be used for payments.
"The only collateral would be the facility
itself," the judge says.
In addition, the indebtedness could be repaid
in full and retired at any time.
The plan is "strictly a business proposition for
the investors."
The local corporation would actually own the
detention center.
The judge told the Tuesday morning gather-
ing that there are "two major private prison
operators" in the country. Both arc "well ac-
cepted by TDC" and one of the firms would
likely be selected to manage the Swisher deten-
tion center.
"The county would only serve as a conduit to
facilitate development of this project to bring
jobs to Swisher County," Judge Johnson re-
marks.
He adds, "I'm excited and impressed with the
whole team" of experts in various fields who arc
working the project. He terms the plan "A super
situation and an unusual opportunity. Were
dealing with quality people."
Organizers and investors have not asked for
any concessions such as free land or tax abate-
ment.
Investors are available because their studies
indicate that an increasing number of detention
Continued on Page Two
FIRE DEPARTMENT MASCOT - "Smokey," the new mascot of Tulia
Volunteer Fire Department, gets accustomed to one of the fire fighting
vehicles. Joe Rice, the Canyon fire chief, told local fireman Billy Earl
that ’Til give him to you if you'll give him a good home.” Earl is keeping
the registered two-year-old Dalmatian for the fire department. TVFD
has wanted a Dalmatian mascot for "several years." Smokey wMl be
seen in parades and other functions with the firemen. - Staff photo
Nazareth Country Rodeo
Unreels Friday - Sunday
"The wildest rodeo in the Texas Pan-
handle," the 13lh annual Nazareth
Country Rodeo and Wild West Show,
unreels this Friday, Saturday and Sun-
day. The rodeo will be held five miles
east of Nazareth at Marvin Schulte’s
arena, "right behind Elmer's Package
Store."
The Junc 2-4 event benefits the Naza-
reth Fire Department.
Performances arc scheduled for 7:30
p. m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p. m.
on Sunday.
Maverick Rodeo Co. of Tulia will
furnish bucking slock for the event
which is sanctioned by Texas Cowboys
Rodeo Association.
Rodeo events include: bareback,
saddle bronc, bull riding, bulldogging,
calf roping, barrel racing, team roping,
single steer roping and girls break-away
roping. Wild horse race and wild cow
milking arc the "wild west" event and
events for youngsters arc the kids calf
scramble and boys steer riding.
New events for the Nazareth Country
Rodeo this year arc novice bareback and
novice saddle bronc riding.
Trophy buckles will be awarded in all
events.
Admission charges arc: kids under 12
years, free; 12 years - high school, $2;
and high school and up, $5.
Nazareth Community Hall will be the
site of Friday and Saturday nights
dances from 9 p. m. until 1 a. m. Music
will be provided by the Rough Riders
from Nazareth.
Youth Basic Survival
Skills Given June 1-2
Page 2
First Pitch Monday
In Youth Baseball
Page 3
What Does Future
Hold For Grads?
Page 5
State FmHA Honor
To Glenna Reynolds
Page 14
Country Editor
By Wendell Tooley
(Jim Reynolds pinch-hitting for
Wendell Tooley)
A big " WELL DONE" to all of the
high school graduates from Tulia,
Happy, Kress and Nazareth plus recent
college and university grads.
These individuals have reached a
plateau in their lives and our best goes
with them in future endeavors.
SENIORS A-OK
It has been many years since we have
observed a high school senior class
which displayed more leadership traits
than the current THS seniors.
We've continuously observed this
group talking with and encouraging
younger students.
Our prediction is that many of the
present seniors will rise to the top in
their chosen professions and in life in
general.
IT’S A WHAT
A couple of years ago, a fellow with a
brogue other than "Tcxican" entered a
service station in a nearby county and
explained excitedly that he had just seen
his first herd of "E-wces."
Where had he seen them, the service
station operator questioned, not quite
sure what species of animal the man had
spotted.
They were located about four milesof
town, the thrilled traveler said.
And then the light came on for the
Continued on Page Two
The Tuun Herald
★ * COVERING SWISHER COUNTY LIKE THE SUNSHINE * *
Vol. 81, No. 22 ONE SECTION THE TULIA (Swisher County) HER AIT) THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1989
THS Commencement Thursday
75 Candidates For Diplomas During H O 'Clock Exercises
Seventy-five members of the Class of
'89 arc candidates to walk across the
Tulia High School Auditorium stage
tonight (Thursday) and receive THS
diplomas. The commencement exer-
cises will begin at 8 o’clock.
Tonight's graduation will culminate
13 years of public schtxil study fiw the
seniors, who entered kindergarten in
1976.
Trey Ncvins will voice the valedic-
tory address, and Elissa McGaughcy
Inman is to give the salutatory address.
SCHOLASTIC LEADERS
Nevins, Ms. Inman, Craig Gardner,
Jolina Carthcl and DTynn Malcom are
the scholastic "top five."
Seniors arc to enter the auditorium as
the processional is played. MissCarthel
will give the invocation and Gardner is
to extend the welcome before scholar-
ship recognitions by Linda Hicks, Tulia
High School principal.
After addresses by the salutatorian
and valedictorian, Mrs. Hicks will give
the commendatory.
Then comes the highlight of the eve-
ning as seniors receive diplomas from
Dennis Love, president of the school
board, and Superintendent Mike Vi-
nyard.
Miss Malcom will give the Benedic-
tion and the audience is to sing the alma
mater. Michael Flowers will play the
recessional as the new graduates depart
from the auditorium.
Gold cords and tassels designate
National Honor Society members.
Chosen as ushers arc Clifton George
and Laync Young. Usherettes include
Gracic Gonzales, Tami Hill, Mindy
Prater and Stephanie Sanderson.
SENIOR CLASS
The 1989 graduating seniors are:
David Adams, Carl David Anderson,
Anita Bacza, Joe Ann Banla, James
Barrow, Victor Basaldua Jr., Steven
Russel Brooks, Rusty Bullock, Sheila
Ann Butcher, DcDc Shawn Byrd, Jolina
Ann Carthcl, Lucy Castaneda, Colin
Bruce Cobb, Deborah Diane Coomcr,
Tracey Jeanne Coomcr, Jcffna Cay
Cope, Archie Cordova and Rayna
Damron;
Also, Thomas Edward Davey,
Continued on Page Two
Work On $2.5 Million Road And
Storm Sewer System In Tulia Near
Representatives of Gilvin-Tcrrill, Inc., said during a pre-
construction conference last week that work is ready to being
on the $2,595 millioi) project to rebuild sections of both US
Highway 87 and State Highway 86 and install a storm sewer
system.
The contract calls for 275 working days, which means the
massive project will require 18 to 24 months to complete. The
"time charge" started in April. Weather will be a factor in the
time required to complete the project.
Merlin O. Bennett, supervising resident engineer for the
State Department of Highways and Public Transportation
(SDHPT), said the two separate projects involve a single
contract. Gilvin-Tcrrcll, Inc., was awarded the bid in March
for a total construction price of $2,595,114.20.
Some federal funding will be available for the US 87
improvement.
The entire project involves highways inside the Tulia city
limits except approximately one-tenth of a mile on US 87
which is north of town.
Bennett told 14 persons attending the prc-construction
conference Thursday morning at the SDHPT conference
room in Tulia that the storm sewer system represents approxi-
mately one-half of the project's cost.
The US Highway 87 segment of the endeavor, w hich begins
at the intersection of US 87 and SH 86 in the southwest part of
town and extends .779 miles to the north, involves rebuilding
of the roadway, installation of the storm sewer system and
removal and replacement of curbing and guttering.
CONSTRUCTION THROUGH TOWN
Work on the state highway begins on the west where it
intersects with US 87 and extends eastward through town to
the city limits. This will involve rebuilding the madway and
installing the storm sewer system but will not include curb-
gutter replacement nor widening of the highway.
The storm drainage system will be installed on the west side
of US 87 and on the north side of SH 86, which is also known
as Second Street.
Present city speed limits will remain in effect. The only
place a different speed zone will be enacted is the small tract
of US 87 outside the city limits.
Traffic is not expected to be a problem, Bennett said,
because work on both highways will basically involve "local
traffic."
Contract on the SH86 improvement from the project which
is presently underway (east of Tulia) to the Briscoe County
line is expected to be let this summer. This project and the
work in Tulia likely will be underway simultaneously.
A spokesman for the construction firm said the first work
should involve the storm sewer system in the cast part of tow n.
BUDDING YOUNG AUTHOR — Amy Bentley, a third grader at
Highland Elementary School, checks over the manuscript of
the first murder mystery she authored: The Murders of a Ghost.
She has already begun writing her second book. —Staff photo
The Ghost Did It!
Third Grader Amy Bentley Authors Mystery
McGaughcy adds.
Amy remembers that "Decem-
ber 5lh" was the date she decided to
write her murder mystery.
"That was about the time we
were studying TEAMS writing,"
Mrs. McGaughcy explains.
Among this reading material was
Granny's Scary Collections. which
whetted Amy’s interest in murder
mysteries.
The shy third grader says she
"got most of the ideas from reading
books and watching TV." She often
developed ideas during the evening
hours and transcribed them the
following day in class.
ORIGINAL THOUGHTS
The budding young author may
have been impressed by material
she read or saw on TV, but her
thoughts arc totally original.
"She definitely didn't copy w hat
someone else has said," emphasizes
Zclta Wolfenbargcr. Although she
docs not have Amy in a class, Mrs.
Wolfenbargcr — gifted-talented
instructor at both Highland Ele-
Continued on Page I hree
By JIM REYNOLDS
Move over J. P.
Fletcher...you've got competition!
J. P. (Jessica) Fletcher is the fic-
ticious murder mystery writer on
the popular TV scries, Murder She
Wrote.
The major difference between J.
P. Fletcher and Amy "Nicole"
Bentley is that the latter is a real,
live author. She is a nine-year-old
third grader at Highland Elemen-
tary School!
Her first creation, The Murders
of a Ghost, contain 35 chapters and
"about 16 characters."
All 176 pages were written in
longhand!
"What amazes me the most is
that Amy did this in class," says her
third grade teacher, Marianna
McGaughey. "She wrote all of this
in her spare time (in class). She did
her classwork and did it correctly
before working on her story."
The nine-year-old, who has
uncanny writing talent, "can write
almost as fast as she can think; she
works so quickly," Mrs.
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Tooley, Wendell. The Tulia Herald (Tulia, Tex.), Vol. 81, No. 22, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 1, 1989, newspaper, June 1, 1989; Tulia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth507530/m1/1/: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Swisher County Library.