Polk County Enterprise (Livingston, Tex.), Vol. 121, No. 98, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 7, 2003 Page: 1 of 46
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Polk County Newspapers and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Livingston Municipal Library.
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Polk County
ENTERF
Sunday
Dec. 7, 2003
Volume 121 Number 98
The Dominant News and Advertising Source in Polk County
I PS 4 17-140 Price: SO tents
Trainer's trial rescheduled
By EMILY BANKS
News Editor
LIVINGSTON - Originally
slated for Monday, the trial of for-
mer Livingston 1SD Athletic
Trainer Shannon "Doc" Wheat has
been moved to Dec 15
A defense motion for continu-
ance was granted dunng a docket
call Friday in the 272™1 Judicial
Distnct in Brazos County
Trade Days review
among council topics
LIVINGSTON - A review of
Trade Days operations for 2003
and consideration of the Trade
Days marketing services contract
are among the items on the agenda
for Tuesday's regular meeting of
the Liv ingston City Council
The meeting will begin at 5 p m
in the Council Chambers.
Liv ingston City Hall
Polk County Chief Appraiser
Carolyn Allen is expected to pre-
sent ad valorem property tax ex-
emption and freeze options for the
council's consideration The coun-
cil is beginning the process for pos-
sible reimplemcntation of a prop-
erty tax in the city, but will wait
until later in the budget year to de-
cide if such a tax will be estab-
lished
The council is also scheduled to
consider Murphy Memorial Library
policy revisions and a proposed
resolution authorizing the mayor to
execute a waiv er of payment in lieu
of taxes with the Livingston Hous-
ing Authority
See REPLAT pg. 7A
The motion was granted on the
basis that Jim Janies one of
Wheat's attorneys previously serv-
ing as second chair, is now lead
counsel and is not prepared to be-
gin Monday
Jurv selection will begin at X a m
Dec 15. with a docket call at I 30
p in that same day
Wheat. 39. was charged with two
counts of indecency with a child
and one count of aggravated sexual
assault in exjunction with allega-
tions that surfaced in March of
misconduct with two male high
school students Although the stu-
dents are Livingston students, the
incidents occurred in Brazos
County, thus the Brazos County
court setting
Initially placed on paid adminis-
trative leave by USD officials
pending further investigation of the
allegations. Wheat submitted his
resignation on March 26.
An additional charge was
brought against Wheat in July in
t M t Kl’KIM run M) in (.( iKIMIN I HI VkKON
COLD NORTH WIND Old man winter blowing snowflakes around, one ol the many lighted
designs at Pedigo Park, does not seem so far-fetched as night temperatures dip into die 2<)s
~ the ’ " ............ 1 ' '
Decorations at the park will remain lit nightly through Jan 1 Another big ( In istmns attraction.
Hometown Christmas, which includes the downtown lighted parade will he ''
Brcnliam. where lie was indicted on
Onalaska officials eye
billboard rule extension
one count of indecency with a
child
Dunng an Oct 28 "non-tnal scl-
LIVINGSTON - An extension of
the billboard moratorium will be
considered for action by the Ona-
laska City Council during its regu-
lar meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Council will consider approval of
a resolution authorizing the Ona-
laska Volunteer Fire Department to
enter into a 60-day. loan with First
State Bank in the amount of
S50.000.
A resolution setting the dates and
times for public hearings on pro-
posed annexation will be consid-
ered for approval. The city is pro-
posing the annexation of approxi-
mately 75 acres on which the new
junior/senior high school sits, as
well as approximately 1.000 acres
between FM 356 and FM 3459
Council will consider approval to
contract with a state-licensed
plumbing inspector to do plumbing
inspections for the city
The 2004 employee holiday
schedule will be considered for
approval.
Council will consider possible
approval to grant a variance on the
set4>adc line at 295 Sandy Une
Police officers vacation time
will be considered for action.
Council will also consider accep-
tance of a bid for the purchase of a
fire truck and chassis.
ting" in Washington County, a re-
quest by Wheat's attorneys that the
procedure be re-set for Jan 14 was
granted
The charge in Washington
County stems from allegations tlial
Wheat lured a male student to a
Hotel room in December 2000 dur-
ing a weekend basketball tourna-
ment in Brenliam
Court to revisit vehicle policy
LIVINGSTON A county vehi-
cle policy will be considered for
approval bv the Polk County
Commissioners Court dunng its
regular meeting at 10 a m Tuesday
Action pertaining to bids for the
purchase of vehicles for the sher-
iff s department and constables will
be considered
OISD board considers
formation of committees
Reports will be presented on be-
half of the police department, fire
department and library.
There will also, be a public forum
and items from council.
Other items on the agenda in-
clude approval of the minutes,
vouchers and financial reports.
ONALASKA - The Board of
Trustees of the Onalaska Independ-
ent School District will consider
possible action on the formation of
a policy committee, a facilities
committee, a Polk County property
bid committee and a future com-
mittee for landscaping during a
special called meeting at 8 a.tn
Thursday.
The I6U| payment to ABD Group.
Commissioners will also con-
sider action related to bids for the
purchase of a brush truck lor the
Sccmc Loop Volunteer I ire De-
partment. through grant funding
Several resolutions will consid-
ered for approval including ve
supporting legislative action pio
lubitmg unfunded mandates from
the slate to counties, one in suppori
of a juvenile accountabilitv block
grant application: and one million/
ing tfic county judge to execute a
letter of waiver for payment in lieu
of taxes to the Liv ingston Housing
Authority
Commissioners will consider
adoption of the Diagnostic Related
Group System foi payment of hos-
pital m-patient services through the
countv indigent health care pro-
gram
Appointment of a data processing
and electronic technology commit-
tee will be considered for approval,
as will I he updaled master sired
address guide
( oimmssioners will also con-
sider action pertaining to bids for
the sale ol a surplus generator
See COL NTV pg. 2A
the firm building the new jun-
ior/senior high school, will be con-
sidered for approv al
The board will enter into an ex-
ecutive session for the deliberation-
of personnel
Other items on the agenda in-
clude possible action on any con-
struction change orders.
flection 2004
mm
—
Archer files for House Myers seeks re-election
LIVINGSTON - Nancy Archer
of Liberty has announced her can-
didacy for state representative of
District 18 in the March 9 Democ-
ratic primary election.
"I am proud to announce my
candidacy for the Texas House of
Representatives because I have a
richly blessed life and a wealth of
life experiences to offer the citizens
of District 18.” she said.
A teacher for many years. Archer
was also an educational consultant
to two national non-profit organiza-
tions. She said she has been in
charge of writing and implementing
programs on a national level. She
lias worked for major corporations
to develop training programs for
employees and lias worked closely
with executives and department
managers to develop lines of com-
munications and establish interac-
tion among employees.
Archer said she lias managed
large and small budgets, and as a
businesswoman, knows what it is to
manage a small business.
"But the greatest joy of my life is
my work with Habitat for Human-
ity. I learned how to build a house
and in doing so, I learned to build
conditions of people working to-
gether for a united purpose.”
Archer said.
"I am seeking this office because
I want this house to have a repre-
sentative that reflects the needs of
the community,” Archer said. “I
have the experience and know-how
to make this happen.
“For the past months I have trav-
eled throughout Liberty. Polk and
Montgomery counties dn a fact-
finding mission. I have set up
community groups to talk with citi-
zens about things that concern
them. I am learning a lot,” Archer
said.
"There has been little or no ac-
tion to address our unemployment
rate of over 10 percent. We must
attract new business to create
meaningful jobs and decent wages.
We must provide a way for families
to sustain themselves,” Archer said,
adding, "There has been little or no
action to address a 15 percent pov-
erty rate.
"Morally and financially, we
cannot allow this to go on. Inactiv-
ity is the source for despair and that
leads to wasted lives. It affects the
very foundation of our community,
for we all pay the price, either
through higher taxes or insurance
premiums that are adjusted to cover
See ARCHER pg. 2A
NANCY ARCHER
.seeking election to Texas
House, District 18
LIVINGSTON - Ray Myers,
who has served as constable of
Precinct 3 for the past 12 y ears, has
announced his candidacy for re-
election in the March 9 Democratic
primary election.
"I’ve enjoyed serving for the past
12 years and want to thank every-
one for their support over the last
12 years. This position has given
me the opportunity to meet a lot of
new people,” Myers said.
A life-long resident of Precinct 3.
Myers graduated from Corrigan-
Camden High School in 1975. He
currently serves as the auto me-
chanics teacher for tire Corrigan-
Camden Independent School Dis-
trict. where he has been employed
for the past 27 years.
He and his wife, the former Lisa
Byrne who is originally from
Livingston, have been married for
22 years. They have two children.
Courtney, 18, and Nicholas. 14.
In May 2000, Myers became a li-
censed peace officer with the State
of Texas.
Stressing the importance of co-
operating with other law enforce-
ment agencies. Myers said he co-
operates with the other law en-
forcement agencies “100 percent.
"Everything that has been done
has been with the help of other law
enforcement agencies.” he said.
Myers cited the ability of a con-
stable to help people as one of his
most important duties.
"You are able to help individuals
in the precinct who are in some sort
of predicament and need help. In
my 12-year tenure. I’ve been able
to do a lot of that,” he said. "That
gives me a lot of fulfillment and is
also an asset to the community ."
Myers said he has a good work-
ing relationship with county offi-
cials. something he plans to con-
tinue.
With the Polk County Commis-
sioners' Court having recently ap-
proved the purchase of cars for the
four constables, Myers said he in-
tends to make the best use of the
car.
"Our county’s going to grow and
we want to grow with it.” he said.
Myers pledges to continue to
treat everyone fairly and without
bias.
“I look forward to continuing to
help the people of Precinct 3 and
Polk County and would appreciate
your support,” he said.
U
RAY MYERS
.seeking re-election as Pre-
cinct 3 constable
Holiday activities on tap
LIVINGSTON - The month of December is filled with a variety of
holiday activities sure to please people of all ages Mark your calendar
now so you don't miss a thing
Here are just a few
• Today (Sunday) - St Joseph's Catholic Church will be the setting for a
"Ring and Sing" from 3-5 p m An entire spectrum of Christmas music
- from Bach to rock - will be presented in four seis of music, each 30
minutes in length The event is come and go St. Joseph's Catholic
Church is located at the intersection of Huy 190 West and FM 350.
• Today (Sunday) - Central Baptist Church, located at 506 N Houston,
will present "The Heavens Declare Glory at 5 p m
• Monday - The Livingston Area Commumiv Band will present its an-
nual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p m at the First l.'nited Methodist
Church in Livingston, located at 2801 Hwy I oil West
• Dec. 12 - Registration ends for the Tour of L lglus f hnsimas Decorat-
ing Contest. Register at the Trade Da's Office at P.-muo Park No
charge for entry Judging will take place Dee 15-0. with business in-
teriors judged during the day and all other entries judged at night
• Dee. 12 Registration ends for the City of OnalaskaN 1 hnstmas 1 .yhi
Decoratin 'cmvost Judging will take place on Dec 1 \ o eat tier permit- i
ting, or on Dec. 14 First, second and third places w:!l 0. uwa''dcd at
three categories - residential, commercial and subdiv i»iou
• Dec. 12-13 - Santa at Miss Effie's Cottage from 6-9 pm Bring 'he
children to sec Santa and tour the historical home decorated O ( ,r si-
mas Refreshments will be served
• Dec. 12-14 - First Assembly of God. located at 2025 N Houston will !
present "The Coming." a Christmas drama at 7 p m Dev. 12-14 md a
2 p in. matinee on Dec 13.
• Dec. 13 - Hometown Christmas from 4-9 p in at Livingston City Hall.
Polk County Courthouse and Miss Effie's Cottage Enjoy an evening ol
entertainment with buggy rules, refreshments and oilier special activi-
ties.
• Dec. 13 - Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p m m douniown Livingston
Call City of Livingston Parks and Recreation at (936)327-5242 to re-
serve your place in the parade.
• Dec. 18 - Reception for participants of the four of Lights Christmas
Decorating Contest at Vintage Charm Bed and Breakfast at 1206 N
Washington. Award plaques and yard signs uil' be presented io the
winners
• Dec. 14 - Christmas FeSt at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church,
located at 2801 Hwy. 190 West, in Livingston Tire program will fea-
rnre excerpts from Handel s Messiah, as well as traditional sacred
Christmas favorites. Handbell soloist Lucy Thompson will present a
pre-concert at 5:30 p in.
• Dec. 19 - Tour of Lights Bus Tours. Meet at Pedigo Park Bus tours
will leave at 6:15 p.m.. 7 p.m.. 7:45 p.m . 8:30 p in. and 9 p in. The fee
is a donation of canned food or money for the Polk County Mission
Center. Because of limited seating, tickets must be picked up in ad-
vance at the Trade Days Office.
• Dec. 21 - The adult choir at First United Pentecostal Church, located at
404 E. Church, will present "The Sounds of Christinas”'at 6:30 p in.
The children's choir w ill present Christmas music at 10 a in
• Dec 21 - The public is welcome to a drivc-by tour of the luminaria
display in Enchanted Forest subdivision, off Business 59 South, begin-
ning at dark.
■HiiitillikiiiaililiaMM
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White, Barbara. Polk County Enterprise (Livingston, Tex.), Vol. 121, No. 98, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 7, 2003, newspaper, December 7, 2003; Livingston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth790568/m1/1/?q=music: accessed July 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Livingston Municipal Library.