Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 114, No. 219, Ed. 1 Sunday, September 30, 2012 Page: 3 of 19
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Sweetwater Reporter
Sunday, September 30, 2012 ■ Page A3
Obituaries
MENDON10 KILL
MENDON JO KILL
Mendon Jo Kill, age 25, of Sweetwater, passed away
on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at Rolling Plains Memorial
Hospital.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday,
Oct. 1, 2012 at Roby Cemetery. Burial will follow at Roby
Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-
Spencer & Trent Funeral
Home.
Mendon Jo was born on
Nov. 16, 1986 in, Randolph,
Vermont, to Stephen and
Debbie (Ballenger) Kill. She
worked for Allen Family Style
Meals. She was a Vermonter
at heart and loved animals.
She is survived by her par-
ents, Stephen and Debbie
Kill of Sweetwater; brother,
Brandon Kill of Sweetwater;
sister, Jennifer James and
husband Steven of Abilene;
niece, Sasha James; grand-
parents, Jenny Hollowed and
husband George of Sweetwater; aunts and uncles, Malcolm
Kill and girlfriend Brenda of Sweetwater; Douglas Kill and
wife Gail of Orono, Maine; Jerry Kill and wife Miriam of
Randolph, Vermont; and Jerry Bullard and wife Kerrie of
Sweetwater; and her beloved dog, Mater.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harold
and Vivian Kill and Joe Ballenger.
Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4
p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30.
BETTY LOUISE ROSS
Aspermont — Betty Louise Ross went to meet her
Heavenly Fatjer on Thursday evening, Sept. 27, 2012.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1,
2012, at Central Baptist Church in Aspermont, officiated by
Rev. Robby Harris with burial to follow in the Aspermont
Cemetery under the care and direction of McCoy Funeral
Home of Aspermont.
Betty was born on Nov. 8, 1933, in Crosbyton to Ralph
Porter Edwards and Ethel Lenora Edwards. She married
Morgan Ross on Dec. 20,1964, in Crosbyton.
She was preceded in death by her mother; father; step
father, J.P. Bachman; husband; and her daughter, Mylinda
Ann Wheeler.
She is survived by her two sisters, Patsy Cogdill of
Aspermont and Linda Forbes of Crosbyton; her two broth-
ers, David Edwards and wife Ethel of Tulia and Rick Edwards
and wife Judy of Lubbock; her two step brothers, Melvin
Bachman of Mansfield and Ronnie Bachman of Mansfield;
her son, Ted Ross and wife Renee’ of Sweetwater; two
step daughters, Tommie Clemmer and husband Jimmie of
Bethany, Okla. and Jackie Walters of Hawley; two grand-
children, Joshua Ross and wife Katie of Sweetwater and
Charlee Ross of Sweetwater; and one great-grandson, Slade
Ross of Sweetwater.
Online condolences at www.mccoyaspermont.com.
Former air traffic controller
takes to fashion
MIKE D. SMITH
Corpus Christi
Caller-Times
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas
(AP) — After serving in the
Navy and several years in
the high-stress world of air
traffic control, Corey Risper
wanted a new course.
He moved back to Corpus
Christi, where he once
was assigned at the Naval
Air Station, and was work-
ing odd jobs when he came
across a box of his old flight
charts.
The find would have him
taxiing toward takeoff in an
entrepreneurial career he
never imagined.
“Fashion designer was not
on my radar,” Risper, 39,
said with a laugh.
It was 2009.
Risper played around with
the maps and charts and
got an idea: Bags, totes and
backpacks with map-themed
designs.
A seamstress made his
vision reality.
But it wasn’t practical.
Even with his friends send-
ing him discarded charts
from across the country, he’d
need tons of maps to make
the idea work.
He also had approach
plates he studied as a stu-
dent pilot. The plates are dia-
grams giving pilots the name
of a city, runway locations,
approach angles and where
and how tall obstructions are
when landing.
The result is a complex
network of numbers mark-
ing degrees and heights,
dots, triangles and nearby
airfields.
“For pilots, they were func-
tional,” Risper said. “I looked
at them and said they can be
way bigger than that.”
He took a plate for Corpus
Christi’s air space and had it
silk screened onto a T-shirt.
When he picked up his proto-
type, “that’s when the wheels
started turning,” he said.
Pilots use the plates daily
to land airplanes. The old
plates would now get a sec-
ond life as a fashion center-
piece.
The Corey Risper clothing
line was bom.
He pitched the idea to for-
mer Coastal Bend Business
Innovation Center Director
Richard Bell, who accepted
him into the business incu-
bator’s program in 2009.
“It was really, really nice
because it gave me access to
other resources I wouldn’t
have had on my own,” Risper
said.
Those resources were tools
to help him form a business
plan, understand the finan-
cial side of mnning a busi-
ness and learn what it takes
to bring money and jobs to
the area.
He also got a patent attor-
ney to help navigate his
startup through infancy with
items including an all-impor-
tant copyright. There also was
checking with the Federal
Aviation Administration to
ensure there were no issues
with using obsolete maps.
“All of the research I’ve
done, all the feedback I’ve
gotten... everything suggests
this is going to be a big, big
clothing brand,” Risper said.
The line was unveiled on
a runway at an American
Bank Center fashion show
in 2010.
Risper recently picked up
his first retailer, Benjamin’s,
which has devoted an inte-
rior table to his shirts, hung
a sign displaying his logo and
created a storefront display
at La Palmera.
Nell Thompson, with
Benjamin’s, said Risper’s
designs achieve something
others only have attempt-
ed with a simple one-color
scheme that comes off com-
plex and authentic.
“There’s something about
these shirts that are different
and way cooler than that,”
Thompson said. “It just
comes off looking cleaner.
It’s got more edge to it.”
As word spreads, orders
rise. An air traffic control
flight school in Oklahoma
City ordered 200 shirts for
its students.
Risper said he is most
surprised by the reac-
tion of non-aviators. He
will keep pitching to other
retailers and expanding the
brand from T-shirts to long
sleeves and sweatshirts.
The design is what will
keep his business in steep
ascent, he said. Even to
the untrained eye, the
approach plates speak
a universal language.
Shirts for Corpus Christi,
Houston or San Diego have
the same symbols but are
arranged in different pat-
terns.
That quality lets people
decide where his business
grows, he said.
“That’s why I can say with
confidence this will com-
pete with major brands —
because I’m everywhere,”
Risper said.
Rehab, continued from Page Ai
are Jan Smith, Riley Ann Price, Homer and Beth Taylor,
Tom and Becky Rees, Leah Andrews, Brenda Stevens,
Bruce Sanderson, Dalton and Gretchen Maddox and Tom
Henderson.
The Shrimp Peel will begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30, and cost
will be $20 per person. Sponsorships are available which
include dinner tickets. Individual tickets and sponsorships
are available from the chairpersons.
The regular Round-Up for Rehab Sale will be the follow-
ing day at 12:30 p.m. with the REHAB chuck wagon serving
up free beans, cornbread and tea beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Both events will feature live auctions and items for each
are being accepted by the committee.
WTRC’s Director of Donor Relations Dan Huggins says
the REHAB has been taking care of people throughout
West Texas for almost 60 years regardless of their financial
circumstance. He says to help offset the costs of helping
those who can’t afford services, the REHAB holds fundrais-
ers. The overall Roundup for Rehab, now in its 53st year, is
the REHAB’S oldest fundraiser and it’s where local ranch-
ers, businesses and individuals come together to help raise
funds for the Center.
Huggins says there are nine sales being this year in local
west Texas communities to benefit patients at the West
Texas Rehabilitation Center. In addition to Sweetwater, San
Angelo, Abilene, Stephenville, Olden, Dublin, Brownwood,
Junction and Coleman are also hosting sales this year.
Red Steagall is once again teaming with Rehab as
Honorary Chairman, because as the legendary cowboy says
of Rehab, it’s a place where “neighbor-helping-neighbor”
is more than just a slogan...it’s a way of living and doing
business.
Corporate friends already on board for the Round-Up
include B-4 Farms, Bar-G Feedyard, Basic Energy, Group
IV Electric Cooperatives, H-E-B Food Stores, Lone Star
Beef, Stamford Insurance/America First Insurance and
Hargrove Ranch Insurance.
For more information about the Rehab Center, Round-
Up sale dates or arrangements for hauling donated ani-
mals, call one of the local committee members or Dan
Huggins at (325)793-3508.
The West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s Round-Up for
Rehab events in Sweetwater were a big success last year.
The Shrimp Peel/Auction and the sale at Sweetwater Cattle
Auction last year raised over $33,000 according to Dan
Huggins, Director of Donor Relations at the West Texas
Rehab Center. Huggins said “We truly appreciate the sup-
port of the Sweetwater community. Once again, everyone,
including many businesses and individuals, came through
in a special way for our patients and our organization, we
cannot do what we do without you.”
Heading up the events last year in Sweetwater were Jan
Smith, Tom Rees, Homer and Beth Taylor, Riley Ann Price,
Dalton Maddox, Brenda Stevens, Tom Henderson and
Debbie May.
The Roundup for Rehab is where local ranchers, busi-
nesses and individuals come together to help raise funds
for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. The Center cares
annually for over 28,000 children and adults regardless of
their ability to pay for needed services.
Nine sales were held last year in local west Texas com-
munities to benefit patients at the West Texas Rehab
Center. In addition to Sweetwater, San Angelo, Abilene,
Stephenville, Olden, Dublin, Brownwood, Junction, and
Coleman also hosted events this year.
Red Steagall was the Honorary Chairman of the Round-
Up. Others with key roles in the 2011 program were general
chairmen Mike Alexander and Randy Carson of Abilene,
Jody Frey of San Angelo and Bob Helmers of Christoval.
Corporate friends of Rehab that stepped forward as
Round-Up sponsors were Bar-G Feedyard, Group
IV-Member Owned Electric Co-ops including Big Country
Electric Co-op, Taylor Electric Co-op, Comanche Electric
Co-op, Concho Valley Electric Co-op, Coleman County
Electric Co-op and Southwest Texas Electric Co-op, also
sponsoring this year were Lone Star Beef, Basic Energy
Services, B-4 Farms, Stamford Insurance/American First
Insurance, Hargrove Family, Strongpoint/Pied Piper Pet &
Wildlife, and HEB Food Stores.
The Round-Up for Rehab is the Center’s longest running
fundraiser.
Wreck, continued from PageAi
in the back seat. There was one person in the truck. All
in the car were buckled and safe after the wreck.
The younger female unbuckled and tried to get the
children out, as traffic did not slow down after the crash,
due to it not being visible over the hill. The female child
was taken to safety when the car was hit by another
truck coming over the hill. The older female in the
vehicle was severely injured and had to be extricated
from the car. She was taken to Hendrick Medical Center
in Abilene where she died from head injuries sustained
from the second wreck. The younger female and the two
children were all taken to Hendrick Medical Center with
slight injuries.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety,
about 35 weather-related crashes were reported on
Friday by the DPS communications office in Abilene.
Rain, continued from PageAi
rain and Lake Sweetwater
has received 17.74 inches
of rain.
The filter plant received
0.29 inches of rain with its
total for the year at 15.73
inches of rain.
Booster B has received
17.04 inches of rain for the
year, with 0.90 of those
inches this past week.
The wastewater plant
received 0.50 inches of
rain with 13.72 inches of
rain for the year.
Well Field P.S. received
0.30 inches of rain and
has received 16.88 inches
of rain for 2012 and CR
151 received 0.60 inches
of rain with 15.21 inches of
rain for the year.
There is a 20 percent
chance of showers and
thunderstorms after 8
p.m. on Sunday evening.
It is expected to be partly
cloudy, with a low around
59. The chance of rain
will continue Monday,
with a 20 percent chance
of showers and thunder-
storms before 8 a.m.
RPRHC announces
star performer
Rolling Plains Rural Health Clinic announced its
September 2012 Outstanding Star Performer of the
Month. Chosen was Kristen Taylor, who has been
employed at the Clinic since February 2012. Taylor
is always willing to help when needed. She takes on
new tasks with a smile and is always willing to work
hard for the benefit of the clinic. Making the presen-
tation was Julia Mink, Laboratory Supervisor.
Bomb hoaxes get Texas
man 3-plus years in prison
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) - A South Texas man
has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and
another three years of probation for persuading a rela-
tive to make phony bomb threat calls to a Valero Energy
Corp. refinery in Corpus Christi last year.
Erasmo Luna, of Robstown, also was ordered Friday
by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos to pay
$145,700 in restitution to Valero after a company offi-
cial testified about the financial impact of the hoaxes.
The 27-year-old Luna pleaded guilty in June.
His 20-year-old cousin, Jose Padilla, also of Robstown,
has pleaded guilty to actually making the calls on two
days last October. He faces sentencing next month.
Refinery security and local authorities with bomb-
detection dogs had to respond to the threats, which also
prompted an FBI investigation.
Texas to honor lody
Conradt with statue in arena
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The University of Texas will
honor former women’s coach Jody Conradt with a 7-foot
bronze statue inside the Longhorns’ basketball arena.
Conradt coached Texas from 1976 to 2007 and finished
with a career record 900-307. Her 1985-86 team (34-0)
was the sport’s first undefeated national champion, and
she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball
Hall of Fame in 1998.
Texas officials said Friday the statue will be dedicated
in a private ceremony on Oct. 5. It will be on permanent
display in the Frank Erwin Center by the Longhorns’
exhibition game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30.
Former Tennessee coach Pat Summitt is expected to
attend the dedication, which will include a video message
from former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and
recognition of the 40th anniversary Title IX, the federal
law that bans sex discrimination in educational programs
— including sports. Conradt also was Texas’ women’s
athletic director from 1992-2001.
Conradt will be just the second female public figure to
have a statue dedicated on the Texas campus, joining civil
rights champion and former U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan.
Texas President Bill Powers called Conradt a “truly
historic” figure.
“Of all the blockbuster statistics that paint the picture
of Jody Conradt’s storied career, the only number you
really need to remember is 99. That’s the percentage of
her players who graduated,” Powers said. “Her career
is a reminder that when you make sure your players are
students first, everything else falls into place.”
Texas already has statues honoring former football
coach Darrell Royal and Heisman Trophy winners Earl
Campbell and Ricky Williams outside the football sta-
dium.
The Conradt statue weighs 600 pounds and depicts her
flashing the well-known “Hook’em Horns” hand signal. It
was designed by New Jersey-based artist Brian Hanlon,
the official sculptor for the Naismith Hall of Fame.
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Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 114, No. 219, Ed. 1 Sunday, September 30, 2012, newspaper, September 30, 2012; Sweetwater, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth851895/m1/3/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Sweetwater/Nolan County City-County Library.