The Big Lake Wildcat (Big Lake, Tex.), Vol. SEVENTY-SECOND YEAR, No. 28, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 10, 1997 Page: 2 of 10
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Page 2 _
New state-federal
health laws July 1
AUSTIN — New state and
federal laws making health in-
surance more accessible to Tex-
ans took effect July 1. Addi-
tional measures, including a
Health Insurance Risk Pool for
“uninsurable” people and their
families, should be in place by
the end of 1997.
The catalyst for the changes
was the federal Health Portabil-
ity and Accountability Act of
1996—commonly known as the
Kassebaum-Kennedy Act,
which also became effective
April 1.
The 75th Legislature passed
two bills, both by Rep. Kip
Averitt, R-McGregor, and Sen.
David Sibley, R-Waco, to bring Texas into compliance with the
Kassebaum-Kennedy legislation.
The federal and state bills apply immediately to new health plans
started on or after July 1. For existing health plans they take effect on a
plan’s first renewal date on or after July 1.
The new health insurance measures do the following:
•Give workers with pre-existing medical conditions credit for their
time in a previous health plan. A provision known as health insurance
“portability.”
•Make virtually all individual hospital, medical and surgical policies
— including major medical plans — guaranteed renewable.
•Enable businesses with as few as two employees, including the owner
or owners, to obtain coverage from participating insurance companies
and HMOs under Texas’ Small Employer Health Insurance Availability
Act.
•Treat school districts of any size as small employers—at the districts’
option — for the purpose of obtaining health insurance.
•Prohibit employer group health plans from treating pregnancy or
genetic information as pre-existing conditions.
•Require insurers writing health plans for employers of 50 or more
workers to cover all or none of the eligible workers and their dependents.
The Risk Pool will provide individual major medical coverage for
people deemed “uninsurable” because of their medical condition.
Coverage in the pool will not be inexpensive. Premiums for the first
year must be between 125 percent and 150 percent of a “standard risk
rate.” The standard risk rate will be calculated by the pool, which will be
governed by a nine-member board of directors appointed by Insurance
Commissioner Elton Bomer.
Bush Backs Curriculum Plan
Gov. George W. Bush called an impromptu news conference last week
to endorse a new blueprint for the basic subjects taught in Texas schools,
rejecting opposition from religious conservatives.
Bush, who criticized the curriculum proposal last fall by describing it:
as “mushy,” said it has been reworked and is now satisfactory.
“I appreciate very much the voices of concern, but I believe this
document puts Texas on the leading edge of educational change,” Bush
said. “After a lot of hard work by a lot of smart people, the Texas Essential
knowledge and Skills curriculum plan has been improved a lot."
* Six Republican board members aligned with conservative religious
groups have opposed much of the plan and have called for wholesale
changes that they contend will make it more rigorous.
Lottery Panel Delays Bids
The Texas Lottery Commission voted to delay seeking new bids on the
$100 million a year lottery operator contract. The commissioners had
planned to get the bid advertisements out by June 30 but decided to give
the agency ’ s new executive director, Lawrence Littwin, another month to
prepare the bid specifications. Littwin previously worked for a competi-
tor of GTECH Holding Corp., the state’s current lottery operator.
GTECH officials, who have opposed rebidding the contract, had no
comment on the delay. The commissioners also agreed to pay Frank
Stem, a New Jersey technical consultant, $ 187.50 an hour, not to exceed
$30,000, to help draft the bid proposals.
Other Capital Highlights
•If former pitching star Nolan Ryan runs for agriculture commissioner
while his television commercials for Dairy Queen and Advil continue to
air, Texas television stations would have to give his opponents equal air
time, a federal official told the Associated Press. Ryan has told Texas
Farm Bureau officials he will seriously consider running for agriculture
commissioner if his lucrative television commercials can continue.
• Insurance Commissioner Elton Bomer has fined Professional Liabil-
ity Insurance Co. Ltd., a Bermuda-based medical malpractice insurance
operation, $235,000 for violating a previous order to stop doing business
in Texas without a license. The fine is the largest ever levied by a Texas
Insurance Commissioner for unauthorized insurance.
State 2 Capital
HIGHLIGHTS
By Lyndall Williams & Ed Starling
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
Uilfcd
Established in 1925
USPS Publication Number 055-860
Published every Thursday by the Big Lake Wildcat, Inc
in Big Lake, the County Seat of Reagan County, Texas at
309 2nd Street, Big Lake, Texas 76932.
David Werst.............................Editor
J. L. Werst, Jr..........................Publisher
Marla Daugherty Leticia Leija
POSTMASTER:Send Address changes to
THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT, P.O. Box 946,
Big Lake, Texas 76932. Entered as sec-
ond class matter January 2,1926 at the
Post Office in Big Lake, Texas under the
Act of Congress of March 3,1879.
Subscription Rates:Big Lake addresses
$19.50 per year. Out of town Texas
addresses $21.50 per year. Out of
state addresses $23.50 per year.
Subscriptions are payable in advance.
Publisher is not responsible for copy omissions,
typographical errors or any other unintentional errors that
may occur further than to make correction in next issue
after it is brought to his attention. Publisher reserves
the right to cancel any advertisement at any time
Call • Fax • e-mail or write to us
Box 946, Big Lake, TX 76932
915/884-2215 • FAX 915/884-5771
e-mail dwerst@aol.com
Member of the Texas Press Association
The West Texas Press Association
and the WesTex Advantage group
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A LIGHT
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Those were the “Days
Compiled from back issues of The Big Lake Wildcat «/
5 years ago
1992
Byron Bitner was installed as
president of Reagan County Lions
Club at their regular Thursday
meeting.
William R. Blain will receive the
master of divinity degree from
Southwestern Baptist Theological
seminary during ceremonies July
10.
RCHS Coach Sam Harrell will
be conducting a football camp July
13-17 at the high school practice
field.
Big Lake Little League All Stars
pounded Coke County 19-8 Tues-
day night in Big Lake. Jason Reyes
struck out his first two at bats but the
third time up he hit a three run
homer.
Sharon Farmer of the Big Lake
Chamber of Commerce recently
completed a week long program of
study at the Institute for Organiza-
tion Management at Southern
Methodist University.
10 years ago
1987
Richard Tobia Gomez is in cus-
tody due to a Crimestoppers tip that
resulted in his arrest for burglary of
a North Reagan County residence.
West Texas Utilities gave Jack
Joyce a retirement party and recep-
tion at the local WTU office last
week. Joyce retired with over 41
years service. He said he was look-
ing forward to the next lightning
storm when he can roll over and go
back to sleep instead of getting up
and going to work.
Reagan County Tax Assessor-
Collector Christine Gardner was in
critical condition as of 3:00
Wednesday afternoon in Shannon
Hospital. She apparently suffered a
ruptured blood vessel in her brain as
a result of a stroke.
Big Lake Little League All Stars
this year include Victor Esquivel,
Ronald Reyes, Tony Valencia,
Chad Armstrong, Sonny Avila,
Zach Edwards, Junior Soto, Tony
Tijerina, Nuno Rivero, Michael
Goodloe, John Marc Henderson,
Stephen Dodd, Trent Hallmark, and
Jaime Carrasco.
15 years ago
1982
Tonya McGuire will serve as the
1982 Rodeo Queen of the 28th an-
nual Reagan County Junior Rodeo.
Tommy Hayes will stay active in
business even though he ha$ sold
part of his operations effective July
1. His wholesale gasoline business
was sold to Starr Gas of Midland.
Susie Q and Chuckie Baby say
"Thank You" Big Lake for 25 years
of operation for radio station
KWGH.
Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Ferguson
were named Gardeners of the Week
at 1104 Plaza.
Petty Officer 1st class D.L.
Whitehead was a visitor in the home
of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tack
Fuson
20 years ago
1977
Reagan County Middle School
Cheerleaders attended a workshop
at Cisco Junior College last week.
They included LaVonne Tucker,
Sonya Rackley, Cindy Armstrong,
Edie Teel, and Kelly Gooch.
Girls recreation is underway in
full swing again this year under the
direction of Mary Tatum. Youth
leaders include Karri Page, Donna
Collins, LaDonna Preas, Diane
Reynolds, and Lori Guess.
Tracy Tatum played her way to
the finals of the 14 year old division
of the highway 80 tennis tourna-
ment. She was runner up champion.
The Big Lake Tigers defeated the
Midland Rebels 6-3 to win the an-
nual 4th of July baseball tourna-
ment. Mike Fisher of Big Lake
received the best pitcher trophy for
the one hitter he threw against
Stanton.
Mr. and Mrs. Santos Lujan were
here last week, packing for their
move to Raymondville where he
has accepted a job as band director.
Neil Beam was home recently
from his work in Alaska. He re-
turned to pump station #4 on the
Alaska pipeline to be there when oil
started flowing southward from
Prudhoe Bay.
25 years ago
1972
Tommy Albertson, production
foreman forContinental Oil Co. was
recently presented an award for 25
years service.
Vonnie Brown was installed as
worshipful Master of Big Lake
Lodge 1203.
Jeff Weatherby won the tire race
in23.9inthe 13-18 year old division
in the Sheriffs posse play day.
The 1972 Reagan County Owls
football schedule starts with
Ballinger September 15 followed
by Sonora, Iraan, Alpine, Ozona,
McCamey, Coahoma, Crane, and
Stanton.
30 years ago
1967
RCISD Supt. Ben Featherston
announced the first day of school
will be September 5.
Phil Farr and James Ratliff re-
turned this week from Adjunct
Camp near Junction which is prepa-
ratory to attending Texas A&M
University.
Mrs. Dillon Rogers and Loy left
Tuesday for El Paso where Loy en-
ters UTEP for the second summer
semester.
Mrs. Brown Hayes, Reagan
County Librarian, suffered a fall at
the library this week that resulted in
a broken wrist. Several ladies from
the 20th Century Club were present
to assist her and get immediate
medical attention.
35 years ago
1962
James Mann and Jack Wright are
among the 296 students attending
the summer session at San Angelo
College in San Angelo.
Miss June McMullan, a Spring
graduate of Texas Tech was been
named to the teaching staff at Ozona
Public Schools.
J.M. Sappington, was honored
by Financial Programs, Inc, for be-
ing a top sales producer.
Flo Darling and daughter Shan-
non are touring with Shaffner Play-
ers this summer as part of a touring
tent production.
+* COMING SOON **
CREW'S MINI STORAGE
* Several sizes to choose from
Covered awning for RV & Boat Storage
Secured parking for vehicles,, boats, etc.
(6 Ft. fence with security light)
Hwy 137 South
884-3678
October 8,1871 is not only the date of the great Chicago Fire, but also of the greatest natural disaster in
Wisconsin history—the Peshtigo forest fire. After an extremely dry summer and fall, Peshtigo erupted in
flame. About 1,200 people died—900 more than in Chicago. Five million dollars worth of property was
destroyed.
July 10,1997
This Week
In History
On July 13,1787, the Conti-
nental Congress adopted the North-
west Ordinance, which determined
government of the Northwest Ter-
ritory north of the Ohio River,
west of New York; 60,000 inhab-
itants could get statehood and were
guaranteed the freedom of reli-
gion, given support for schools,
and slavery was prohibited... July
10,1797, the U.S. frigate, United
States, was launched in Philadel-
phia ... July 11,1804, after a long
and bitter political rivalry, Vice
President Aaron Burr shot
Alexander Hamilton in a duel in
Weehawken, N.J.; Hamilton ex-
pired the next day... July 14,1853,
Commodore Matthew C. Perry of
the United States Navy was re
ceived by the Lord of Toda, Japan,
and negotiated a treaty to open
Japan to U.S. ships... July7,1862,
the Land Grant Act was approved,
providing for public land sale to
benefitagricultural education; this
eventually led to the establishment
of state university systems... July
13,1863, draft riots began in New
York City in protest of a provision
allowing monetary payment in
place ofmilitary service... July 8,
1896, in a stunning demonstration
of his incredible oratory skills,
William Jennings Bryan delivered
his “Cross of Gold” speech at the
Democratic Convention and won
the presidential nomination as a
result... July 12,1967, race riots
began in Newark, N.J.... July 12,
1974, John D. Ehrlichman and
three White House “plumbers”
were found guilty of conspiring to
violate the civil rights of a former
psychiatrist to Pentagon Papers
leaker Daniel Ellsberg by break-
ing into his Beverly Hills, Calif,
office.. July 9,1996, former
Senator Bob Dole (R-Kan.) ap-
peared to be backing away from
support for a repeal of the ban on
assault weapons thatCongress had
passed in 1994... July 10,1996,
President Bill Clinton told the
convention of the National Asso-
ciation for the-Advancement of
Colored People that he would veto
any attempt to repeal the assault-
weapons ban ... July 11, 1996,
Senator Dole, responding to ac-
cusations that he’d declined an
invitation to speak to the NAACP
when in fact this wasn’t true, as-
serted that the organization’s
president, Kweisi Mfume, a
former House member from
Maryland was a “very liberal
Democrat” who was “tiying to
set me up.”
© 1997
Where to Write/Call
Bill Clinton
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington D.C. 20000
202-456-1111
U.S. Senate
Phil Gramm
U.S. Senate
Washington D.C. 20510
202-224-2934
Kay Bailey Hutchison
U.S. Senate
Washington D.C. 20510
202-224-5922
U.S. Representative
District 23
Henry Bonilla
U.S. House
of Representatives
Washington D.C. 20515
202-225-4511
FAX 202-225-2237
Governor of Texas
George Bush
State Capitol
Austin, TX 78711
512-463-2000
Honorable Bob Bullock
Lt. Governor's Office
P.O. Box 12068
Austin, TX 78711-2068
State Senator
Robert Duncan
District 28
Texas Senate
P.O. Box 12068
Austin, TX 78711
512-463-0128
State Representative
Tom Craddick
District 82
Texas House
of Representatives
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768-2910
512-463-0500
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Werst, David. The Big Lake Wildcat (Big Lake, Tex.), Vol. SEVENTY-SECOND YEAR, No. 28, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 10, 1997, newspaper, July 10, 1997; Big Lake, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth739343/m1/2/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Reagan County Library.