The Bastrop County Times (Smithville, Tex.), Vol. 86, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 29, 1977 Page: 1 of 20
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Texas Digital Newspaper Program and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Bastrop Public Library.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
IBastmu
Ololnitu
iF^,7r.''"- Cent^r> inc.
F* °* ^cx 45436
> •* 75235
SERVING: SMITHVILLE, BASTROP, ELGIN and ALL BASTROP COUNTY
VOL.86. NO. 52
THURSDAY. DECEMBER 29. 1977
Landfill Rehearing Won
BASTROP—Much to the dismay
of Bastrop County officials, and
potentially to Bastrop County cof-
fers, the county landfill site is no
longer an established fact. Attorney
Mark Owen, representing the citi-
zens of Cedar Hills development,
and "speaking for" the Acme
Brick Co. successfully argued
for a rehearing of evidence
in the situation of the county
dump.
Appearing before Texas Depart-
ment of Health hearing examiner
Hal Nelson, and chief of solid waste
management and department
engineer Jack Carmichael, Owen
argued that engineering reports
compiled bv Bryan Curington,
an Austin firm, were misleading
and misrepresentative. Owen
continued, stating... "the public
notice given amounts to no notice
at all."
Although the engineers' report
was the main thrust of Owen's
ease presentation last Thursday,
he emphasized that he was "not
Computer Considered
SMITHVILLE—The December
meeting of the Smithville Hospital
Authority found the board going
County
Notes Quiet
Christmas
THE COUNTY—Bastrop County
had a quiet holiday weekend accord-
ing to area law enforcement offic-
ials. Common burglaries and shop-
lifting problems that usually
flood police stations during the holi-
days were luckily absent this sea-
son. Nobody's complaining, how-
ever. Those officers that did have to
work Christmas welcomed the quiet
weekend.
Elgin's Chief Gibson commented
that "It's been real quiet. We had a
couple of small fires, but nothing
really happened."
Smithville's Chief of Police,
William Nestoroff, said "It vvas
awful quiet. We didn't put nobody
in jail or anything."
Adcll Powell. Chief of Police in
Bastrop reported. "We've been
lucky; it's been real dead."
Richard Hernandez, county
sheriff's deputy, commented,
"It's been a real quiet weekend.
We didn't do nothing."
With the new year drawing near,
law enforcement officials are hoping
for continued quiet. One problem
that plagues them from year to
year is the trouble with firing fire-
crackers in the city.
It is illegal to fire firecrackers in
the city limits of any of the cities in
Bastrop County.
almost directly into executive ses-
sion, and emerging with open
consideration and discussion of the
possibility of putting hospital
accounting 011 a computer system.
Attending the executive session
were hospital comptroller Sam
Fowler, and Mr. Don Lane of
Harold Simpson's auditing firm.
The majority of the board members
felt, as did Lane, that a computer-
ized system would update and im-
prove hospital accounting tech-
niques. and prevent billing prob-
lems from developing. Several of
the board members pointed out
the hospital's inability to prepare
the medical records on time, and
asked that if this were the case in
the future, wouldn't a computer
system fail through lack of the
proper information.
Lane said that the incomplete
records would show up on the com-
puter print-outs as incomplete,
and register a need for their com-
pletion. Lane also stated that
under the new computer system,
employees tied down to bookwork
would have time made available
to deal with delinquent accounts.
Fowler said that the computer
system would in his opinion aid in
the yearly audit, and any other
instance where a quick and accurate
assessment of accounts payable and
receivable was needed. Fowler
also added that in purchasing this
the system, 70% of the money
would be refunds. The refunds
would come in the form of allow-
able deductions from medicare
payments, and could be applied
towards salaries for more staff
help, or any other hospital need.
The cost of the computer service
See "Computer." Page 2.
battling over a technicality," but a
"meritorious, fundamentally inde-
pendent defense against the land-
fill."
At this point Owen read the two
public notices published in the
BASTROP ADVERTISER and the
ELGIN COURIER. The Elgin paper
had somehow printed a notice which
established the landfill site 12 miles
north of the intersection of state
highways 95 and 290.
The published notice in the
ADVERTISER was correct in locat-
ing the site as established by the
county, that is. four miles south of
the intersection of S.H. 95 and 290.
One notice is all that is required by
the Texas Dept. of Health, but
hearing examiner Nelson found
that the one misrepresentative
notice, since it could possibly
confuse concerned parties, and
since "the Dept. of Health exam-
ines ALL the evidence in each
case before reaching a decis-
ion," was sufficient cause for a
rehearing.
Bastrop County, however, is
not without blame in bringing a
rehearing about. Nelson also noted
that the county was remiss in
returning a "notarized publisher's
affidavit" to the Dept. of Health.
The notice had been distributed
to area newspapers by the county,
but the health department was not
supplied with information to this
effect. If this had been done, Nelson
speculated, "someone would have
caught it."
As to Owen's contention that
people resided within a mile radius
of the site, backed by Robert L.
Hancock, (not a professional engin-
eer but whose methods of deter-
mination were acceptable to the
presiding officials), the County
offered no argument. However,
Nelson stressed repeatedly that
this point was not at all sufficient
for disregarding a site for
landfill use. Nelson told the TIMES
that if that was the case (no resi-
dents within one mile of a dump
site), cities like Houston would be
in trouble as to locating an accept-
able site. Nelson also told the
TIMES that the landfill planned for
the county would "not represent a
health hazard at all," which is one
of Owen's main arguments.
Owen was adamant in his request
that the Department examiner
publically announce that the
present permit be declared can-
celled at the hearing (Thursday),
and the County be put on notice
that the permit had failed. Nelson
agreed to this, but cautioned
Owen not to "overinterpret health
department regulations." since
the health department did not
want to cause the County an undue
expenses. There has already been
nearly $11,000 spent to date on
the current site according to Coun-
ty Judge Jack Griesenbeck.
At one point in the proceed-
ings Owen inferred that the County
See "Rehearing," Page 2.
Dawn of a New Year- Welcome 1978
Strike Yet To Be Felt
by J. P. Powers
BASTROP COUNTY—The agri-
culture strike is on, but Bastrop
County residents/consumers have
yet to feel the effects of it. In a sur-
vey of county grocery stores, the
TIMES learned that the current
agricultural strike has not had an ef-
fect on the availability of food to
the holiday shopper.
Grocers in Bastrop, Elgin, and
Smithville are all prepared for the
shopping boom that this time of
year brings. This preparation has a
lot tn do with the fact that food
stores purchase more than normal
to protect themselves from shortag-
es at this time of year, according to
Barry Hannath of Wessels-Hannath
Supermarket in Smithville.
George Kaehler, manager of
Bilrov in Elgin, told the TIMES that
he expects a slow down after the
Christmas-New Year holidays.
But that is an anticipated slowdown
which occurs every year and repre-
sents a seasonal trend only.
Adren "Red" Long of Long's
Markets in Bastrop expressed a
similar lack of impact from the
"Tractorcade "Rolls
BASTROP COUNTY — After
walking picket lines led to injur-
ies for several strikers, area farmers
are taking to their tractors for the
second demonstration at two large
Austin bakeries. Mrs. Baird's and
Buttercrust bakeries are the objec-
tive of Tuesday's tractorcade from
the agricultural strike office in Man-
or, Craig Bryant of the Manor
office told the TIMES. The tractor-
cade, according to Bryant, is intend-
ed to shut down the two bakeries
by blockading all incoming and out-
going traffic. Strikers will continue
to blockade the bakeries until they
cooperate with strikers by writing
to their congressmen and the Pres-
ident stating their support of the
agricultural strike movement and
its drive for 100% parity.
The tractorcade planned is simi-
lar to blockades that have sprung
up all over the state, primarily in
the panhandle area. In this case,
David Samuelson. Jr., told the
TIMES from the strike office, the
tractors are a matter of safety after
bakery truck drivers crashed
through the previous picket lines
injuring several strikers, one ser-
iously.
During the first demonstration a
representataive of Mrs. Baird's
spoke with the strikers and ex-
press his apologies and support,
but at that time declined to do so
openly.
strike at this time, but Long added
.. ."We (retailers) will not feel the
pinch until our wholesalers do."
Long also mentioned that he pur-
chases his fresh meat from local
feed lots, but these also, are still in
good supply.
Area cattle ranchers report that
grain is still readily available for
feed. However, the grain being
used now is from stores since fields
are now lying fallow, excepting
winter wheat, awaiting the spring
planting.
It is important to note that farm-
ers who are renting are suffering
more from current prices, than are
those who own the land they work,
according to Smithville farmer
Dick Moers. Moers also explained
that this is the reason farmers in
the panhandle area of Texas are
having a harder go of it. Young
farmers starting out now have
little chance at all. according to the
Smithville farmer. Moers expressed
sympathy for any young man
trying to make a start in farming
now. "with equipment prices on
the rise, and the current market
values for crops, it is very hard to
make a living.
The TIMES also spoke with Bob-
by Kolhorst of Brenham Wholesale
Groceries in Brenham, which sup-
ply many area stores. Kolhorst
predicted that retailers would not
feel the effects of the present
strike until next spring, and only
then if the strike continues through
the planting season.
1977—Newsyear In Synopsis
SAN IA JMi't IN 'iaiiu atriytd in
i andy and Iiuii dmiaud by the Miy't I nut* ( lub
lllllli if iHtl hi I> i i |v* ||it. I luUtiiM* uiuuttuti
tly file IIU< k hi hand OUl
Si vluI bundled »hildit-n
Iimi ■> t'H'/in
This holiday week finds Bastrop
County and its residents recovering
from another year of news, both
good and bad. It is impossible to
distinguish one year from another
in terms of newsworthiness; one can
only review the year's events and
make a strictly personal decision as
to whether it was a good year, or
one not worth reflecting on. Here is
a TIMES synopsis of the major
events of newsyear 1977 to aid our
readers with drawing their conclus-
ions.
SCIENCE PARK
1977 has been a good, beneficial
year for the county. The Cancer
Research Center started the year
off with a bang. Residents of Bas-
trop County looked to the Science
Park with many hopes for the fu-
ture. The massive Science Park
project began shaping up in Jan
iiiii y. Huge building* were unfold
illy lnloie the spectators' tryvfc
Kb talk of doctor* Mild scientists
My MI# in stalled
I In* ilit. 4iii "( Hit fecieiitii I'mk
»«*> impldly b* twining m IIMy
Dill I mi vm lilt' p#lk JIM* KtltJ
view the honey-brown buildings
as they stand in their grandeur
while workmen are putting the last
touches on the project. Talk is float-
ing around about the dedication
plans. The date has not been decid-
ed on yet, but that date will soon be
announced.
OIL
The discovery of oil in Bastrop
County caused quite a sensation,
also. The Veenstra well was the
well that rocked the county. The
uncovering of oil there started an
entire chain of eager prospective
oil tycoons. Everyone was trying it
out. Many, however, came up dry
wells that dimmed quite a few
hopes for riches. This didn't
discourage many, though. The
wells are still going up «nd probably
will continue until all hopes of oil
are gone. The county is rich in this
liquid gold, however, so it may be
quite a while before (lie emilcmeuf
and spei ulallon dies down.
YOUTH< I Nil H
PiMgies* It MMI being oiaiH (HI
(In | > >Ui«*l I mum Uuii J |u»lllul*
11'> Ulwsl leauM I* lj|| |H4 tfff
solar panel installation. An Austin
company was awarded that bid.
CELEBRATIONS
County celebrations, such as the
Smithville jamboree, Elgin Western
Days, and Bastrop Homecoming
were all received this year with the
expected enthusiasm.
Smithville Jamboree festivities
this year were dampened by tor-
rential rains, and events and
activities had to be rescheduled
for the following Saturday.
Davidica Quitta, a Smithville
High School junior, was named 1977
Jamboree Queen.
Elgin Western Days kicked off
three days of fun with the
Oueen's Revue. Gina McVay.
Elgin High School senior and cheer-
leader, was proclaimed the 1977
Western Days Queen,
Bastrop's JOth annual Home
coming celebration was termed
''llli1 best ever" by stores of tele
bianis wlto flocked lo (he mail}
eve ItU ot I In Weekend
Ay a I in* libel g* I, |f. tttft eiiMSt.«i
♦ he I 'II f Ma*llwp Motile i Killing
Queen.
Teenage Queen Linda Kastner
and Tiny Tot Queen Sherri Kay
Neidig graced the prize-winning
Watermelon Festival in McDade.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
In May, Sheriff I.R. Hoskins,
Deputy Jim Hutson, and Deputy
Frank Calabrese, assisted by DPS
and Austin narcotics officers, made
two drug raids on houses in the
Rocky Hill area near Smithville.
Confiscated in the raids were
30 to 40 pounds of marijuana, a
quanity of "dangerous" drugs and
pills, and an illegal weapon--a
shotgun sawed off shorter than
legal length. Possession of the lat-
ter is a federal offense.
The mystery that surrounded an
unmarked plane found in Alum
( reek is still unsolved today,
Remains o| u plane ciush wt-re
discovered eight miles oil llvty 7|,
Hidden in a iove of In es »«t<* a
small aii> lull thai Mas an wbviwus
eiivvr Mfii I he plan* had etaahed
i
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Matching Search Results
View eight places within this issue that match your search.Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Baker, Douglas. The Bastrop County Times (Smithville, Tex.), Vol. 86, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 29, 1977, newspaper, December 29, 1977; Smithville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth602128/m1/1/?q=music: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Bastrop Public Library.