Opinions
TGCD will protect water
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Texana Groundwater Conservation District or TGCD – what is it? What does it mean to me? What does it mean to you? Well this is what I believe it means or stands for. Let’s break it down a little at a time:
Texana – my definition: The name of a town from history that was chosen to represent Jackson County.
Groundwater – Webster’s definition: water from under the surface of the earth that feeds springs and wells. TGCD’s definition: water percolating below the surface of the earth within the district.
Conservation – Webster’s definition: the act or process of conserving; save; the protection of natural resources, as in this case of groundwater.
District – Webster’s definition: an administrative or political division of a territory, a distinctive area: as in this case, Jackson County.
So, to me TGCD means: an administrative body or board set up for the sole purpose to conserve and protect the ground water that is within the boundaries of jackson County; to conserve and protect – not control or penalize the residents of this county – to continue to use our water, that according to the laws of the State of Texas, belong to the landowner.
TGCD was brought in to acceptance by a majority vote by the registered voters of this county. We, the people that voted the TGCD into existence, did and still do believe that the sole responsibility and duty of any and every person that sits on this board is there for one reason and one reason only – that is to protect, conserve and preserve the groundwater of Jackson County in a manner that ensures our groundwater will still be here for our children and grandchildren’s future.
We, the people, should be able to use the water that is under our property that we have purchased, maintained, paid taxes on, raised our children and grandchildren on, raised our livestock, or any other choices that we may see fit to do as long as we do not cause any harm or adverse effect to our neighbors, or use it in a manner that is wasteful.
I would like to at this time say a heartfelt thank you to the board members for being brave enough to be on this board, for the many hours of time, effort and sacrifice that you all have given.
For all the headaches and long hours of discussion, with many more miles ahead, for being there for the residents of Jackson County, representing our rights and concerns toward the protection of our groundwater. Again, many thanks for all those involved.
My prayer for the board members and every citizen involved is that God would give each one the wisdom, understanding, and ability to make each and every decision the right decision for every person in the county, as long as it is in accordance to God’s will. Amen.
Darrell Ferguson
Edna, Texas
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Texana Groundwater Conservation District or TGCD – what is it? What does it mean to me? What does it mean to you? Well this is what I believe it means or stands for. Let’s break it down a little at a time:
Texana – my definition: The name of a town from history that was chosen to represent Jackson County.
Groundwater – Webster’s definition: water from under the surface of the earth that feeds springs and wells. TGCD’s definition: water percolating below the surface of the earth within the district.
Conservation – Webster’s definition: the act or process of conserving; save; the protection of natural resources, as in this case of groundwater.
District – Webster’s definition: an administrative or political division of a territory, a distinctive area: as in this case, Jackson County.
So, to me TGCD means: an administrative body or board set up for the sole purpose to conserve and protect the ground water that is within the boundaries of jackson County; to conserve and protect – not control or penalize the residents of this county – to continue to use our water, that according to the laws of the State of Texas, belong to the landowner.
TGCD was brought in to acceptance by a majority vote by the registered voters of this county. We, the people that voted the TGCD into existence, did and still do believe that the sole responsibility and duty of any and every person that sits on this board is there for one reason and one reason only – that is to protect, conserve and preserve the groundwater of Jackson County in a manner that ensures our groundwater will still be here for our children and grandchildren’s future.
We, the people, should be able to use the water that is under our property that we have purchased, maintained, paid taxes on, raised our children and grandchildren on, raised our livestock, or any other choices that we may see fit to do as long as we do not cause any harm or adverse effect to our neighbors, or use it in a manner that is wasteful.
I would like to at this time say a heartfelt thank you to the board members for being brave enough to be on this board, for the many hours of time, effort and sacrifice that you all have given.
For all the headaches and long hours of discussion, with many more miles ahead, for being there for the residents of Jackson County, representing our rights and concerns toward the protection of our groundwater. Again, many thanks for all those involved.
My prayer for the board members and every citizen involved is that God would give each one the wisdom, understanding, and ability to make each and every decision the right decision for every person in the county, as long as it is in accordance to God’s will. Amen.
Darrell Ferguson
Edna, Texas
Support the TGCD tax
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Pioneer families in the 1800s that settled our great state knew that there was a lot of land but only land with good water was worth staking. Some things never change.
Did you consume any water today? Do you believe it is your God-given right to use it as you see fit? Think about how you consume water on an hourly basis – got up in the morning, bathed, drank coffee, fed the family and cleaned up after them, started our day...and so, to have a sobering does of reality, go to your meter or your well and shut it off.
Work throughout the day and try to accomplish anything without fresh water – you can’t. Just like electricity being vital to our way of life. I can exist without electricity, but not water.
Some of us prefer the city life, some of us the country. We are all supplied by groundwater; in the city our municipal water department takes the responsibility of maintaining and repairing the distribution to thousands within the city limits. People in the country have their own water wells that are their lifeblood.
Shut off the water and see what you can accomplish, see what your land/property is truly worth. Country folk have spent their hard-earned money and brought the service of a highly-skilled and knowledgeable professional driller who knew the geography and blessed them with a source of clean water. They pay for the maintenance and upkeep of their wells and pay the electric bill to pump it out of the ground. People in the city do the same, but collectively with an organization that distributes the water to the masses.
We’ve all gotten comfortable with turning the faucet and water comes out hot or cold. It is an expectation and taken for granted. What would it be like to not have a reliable secured groundwater source?
We know that groundwater is there in our estimations, but it’s never been accurately gauged. More importantly, there is no law in place in Texas to prevent an individual/corporation from pumping it out under one county and selling to another. Hence the need to create a water district within Jackson County to protect our most precious commodity.
Their purpose is not to tax us excessively for their own existence, but to protect my family’s future prosperity in living here. The groundwater board would collect an ad valorem tax not to exceed $.01 per hundred valuation for groundwater conservation and preservation. For example, if you owned $100,000 in property, then your tax would equal $10 per year. Call it a tax if you will, I call it an insurance that I gladly pay to ensure a valuable asset will never be taken from me.
Jay Garner
Edna, Texas
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Pioneer families in the 1800s that settled our great state knew that there was a lot of land but only land with good water was worth staking. Some things never change.
Did you consume any water today? Do you believe it is your God-given right to use it as you see fit? Think about how you consume water on an hourly basis – got up in the morning, bathed, drank coffee, fed the family and cleaned up after them, started our day...and so, to have a sobering does of reality, go to your meter or your well and shut it off.
Work throughout the day and try to accomplish anything without fresh water – you can’t. Just like electricity being vital to our way of life. I can exist without electricity, but not water.
Some of us prefer the city life, some of us the country. We are all supplied by groundwater; in the city our municipal water department takes the responsibility of maintaining and repairing the distribution to thousands within the city limits. People in the country have their own water wells that are their lifeblood.
Shut off the water and see what you can accomplish, see what your land/property is truly worth. Country folk have spent their hard-earned money and brought the service of a highly-skilled and knowledgeable professional driller who knew the geography and blessed them with a source of clean water. They pay for the maintenance and upkeep of their wells and pay the electric bill to pump it out of the ground. People in the city do the same, but collectively with an organization that distributes the water to the masses.
We’ve all gotten comfortable with turning the faucet and water comes out hot or cold. It is an expectation and taken for granted. What would it be like to not have a reliable secured groundwater source?
We know that groundwater is there in our estimations, but it’s never been accurately gauged. More importantly, there is no law in place in Texas to prevent an individual/corporation from pumping it out under one county and selling to another. Hence the need to create a water district within Jackson County to protect our most precious commodity.
Their purpose is not to tax us excessively for their own existence, but to protect my family’s future prosperity in living here. The groundwater board would collect an ad valorem tax not to exceed $.01 per hundred valuation for groundwater conservation and preservation. For example, if you owned $100,000 in property, then your tax would equal $10 per year. Call it a tax if you will, I call it an insurance that I gladly pay to ensure a valuable asset will never be taken from me.
Jay Garner
Edna, Texas
We need to protect our water
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Do we have water? Yes, we do. God has blessed Jackson County with a great abundance of water. I’m talking about groundwater. The people that live in the city limits of Edna, Ganado, LaWard, Lolita, and Vanderbilt receive their water from a municipality supply which comes from groundwater.
The people in town have to pay for every drop of groundwater they use. Residents living outside the city limits also pay for their water every day, from the very beginning of paying for the well and pump set up, to maintenance, costly electricity, repairs and service to the complete system. All citizens in the city limits or outside the city limits have to pay for every drop of water that they use every day.
With that being said, if you are alive and living in Jackson County, the water that we all use comes from groundwater. We enjoy it, we use it, all without giving much thought from where it comes.
We as registered voters of Jackson County voted in the Texana Groundwater Conservation District but failed to vote for an ad valorem tax to fund the district. If we fail to fund the TGCD then it will be dissolved and the state or river authority could take control of all the groundwater in Jackson County.
This we do not want and cannot let happen. I live in the city limits of Edna and I do understand that my water comes from groundwater. Without funding the TGCD cannot exist and this could cost all residents of Jackson County dearly.
Maybe it’s because it has always been there. The old saying comes to mind, “You don’t ever miss the water until the well goes dry.” What do we need to do to ensure the well never runs dry? Having a local chapter of a groundwater conservation district would help prevent such a catastrophe from happening.
Thanks to all board members and others working to get funding for the TGCD.
Mike Greer
Edna, Texas
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Do we have water? Yes, we do. God has blessed Jackson County with a great abundance of water. I’m talking about groundwater. The people that live in the city limits of Edna, Ganado, LaWard, Lolita, and Vanderbilt receive their water from a municipality supply which comes from groundwater.
The people in town have to pay for every drop of groundwater they use. Residents living outside the city limits also pay for their water every day, from the very beginning of paying for the well and pump set up, to maintenance, costly electricity, repairs and service to the complete system. All citizens in the city limits or outside the city limits have to pay for every drop of water that they use every day.
With that being said, if you are alive and living in Jackson County, the water that we all use comes from groundwater. We enjoy it, we use it, all without giving much thought from where it comes.
We as registered voters of Jackson County voted in the Texana Groundwater Conservation District but failed to vote for an ad valorem tax to fund the district. If we fail to fund the TGCD then it will be dissolved and the state or river authority could take control of all the groundwater in Jackson County.
This we do not want and cannot let happen. I live in the city limits of Edna and I do understand that my water comes from groundwater. Without funding the TGCD cannot exist and this could cost all residents of Jackson County dearly.
Maybe it’s because it has always been there. The old saying comes to mind, “You don’t ever miss the water until the well goes dry.” What do we need to do to ensure the well never runs dry? Having a local chapter of a groundwater conservation district would help prevent such a catastrophe from happening.
Thanks to all board members and others working to get funding for the TGCD.
Mike Greer
Edna, Texas
Thanks for the support
(Posted 8/25/2010 09:10 am)
Region VII of the Texas High School Rodeo Association would like to give a hearty thank you to all the people who came to our recent scholarship dinner hosted by Edna Livestock Auction.
We are very grateful for your generous donations to our college scholarship fund. We also want to thank the generous businesses that made this dinner possible: Killebrew Dodge and their new Heavy Duty Ram truck, Novartis Animal Health, Professional Veterinary Products, Nutrena brand feeds and Tractor Supply Co. We couldn't have done this without all of you and we are very grateful for your support. Here's to making college a reality for rural kids! Thanks again!
Jamie Erickson
Region VII - Texas High School Rodeo Association
Hallettsville, Texas
(Posted 8/25/2010 09:10 am)
Region VII of the Texas High School Rodeo Association would like to give a hearty thank you to all the people who came to our recent scholarship dinner hosted by Edna Livestock Auction.
We are very grateful for your generous donations to our college scholarship fund. We also want to thank the generous businesses that made this dinner possible: Killebrew Dodge and their new Heavy Duty Ram truck, Novartis Animal Health, Professional Veterinary Products, Nutrena brand feeds and Tractor Supply Co. We couldn't have done this without all of you and we are very grateful for your support. Here's to making college a reality for rural kids! Thanks again!
Jamie Erickson
Region VII - Texas High School Rodeo Association
Hallettsville, Texas
Family says thanks
(Posted 8/25/2010 09:09 am)
My mother was Georgie Pumphrey Moore, Meadie Pumphrey’s youngest sister. On behalf of my family, I want to thank the superintendent, the school board and the community for honoring “Miss Meadie” by dedicating the new junior high school to her. Special thanks go to Roy Ortolon, who worked so hard on the plaque, and to all other individuals who expended their time and effort on this project.
Meadie Pumphrey loved Edna. She loved teaching and was totally committed to her students, whom she regarded as her children. The dedication of a school to her perpetuates and emphasizes her belief in the importance of education. She would be both pleased and humbled by the accolade you have bestowed upon her. Thank you again.
Marjorie Moore Record
Leesburg, Texas
(Posted 8/25/2010 09:09 am)
My mother was Georgie Pumphrey Moore, Meadie Pumphrey’s youngest sister. On behalf of my family, I want to thank the superintendent, the school board and the community for honoring “Miss Meadie” by dedicating the new junior high school to her. Special thanks go to Roy Ortolon, who worked so hard on the plaque, and to all other individuals who expended their time and effort on this project.
Meadie Pumphrey loved Edna. She loved teaching and was totally committed to her students, whom she regarded as her children. The dedication of a school to her perpetuates and emphasizes her belief in the importance of education. She would be both pleased and humbled by the accolade you have bestowed upon her. Thank you again.
Marjorie Moore Record
Leesburg, Texas
My nest may be empty, but my heart is full
by Chris Lundstrom
(Posted 8/19/2010 08:00 am)
Well, I did it. I managed to send my youngest child to college without shedding a tear.
After 35 years of ear infections, temper tantrums, dirty diapers, tooth fairies, messy rooms, school projects, sleepless nights and broken hearts, I will come home to any empty house every night. And it will feel just fine.
My husband, Larry, and I accompanied Stephen to Waco last week and helped him move into his apartment so he would be settled when his classes begin at TSTC later this month. Unlike Jessica, who had to have everything just so, Stephen was more concerned about the placement of his recliner and his father's wiring the surround sound to his television. After a trip to the store for the rest of his necessities, he was all moved into his new home. He was so calm and matter-of-fact about taking care of business, by the time we left I felt confident he would do just fine. We spent the day making sure he had all that he needed before heading out for Huntsville, where Jessica is attending Sam Houston University.
We didn't get there until about 10 p.m., but she and her roommate Megan had a lovely dinner waiting for us. They had set the table with nice dishes and even had candlelight. It couldn't have been tastier or more well-presented. She is staying in the same apartment, but it made me feel so proud to see how cute, clean and well-organized everything was. We spent the night in her bedroom so we could fill her pantry the next day.
After spending so much time – and money – getting them settled for another school year, it was a relief to see that they were both going to be ok living on their own. After all, what parent wants their children to live with them forever? From the time they begin walking, they are taking steps towards someday walking away from their home and parents to begin their own lives. How exciting to see them come to that point and know they are prepared.
We left Jessica's apartment mid-afternoon to go spend some time with Larry's sister and husband who also live in Huntsville. We had a nice visit before leaving to return home. One more stop was needed, though. Our oldest son, Dean, lives in Sugar Land with his wife and my two adorable granddaughters, so even though it was 9 p.m. before we pulled up in front of their house, they were glad to see us.
People tell you all the time while raising your children, to enjoy them because they will be grown up before you know it. On my most chaotic days while they were all still at home, running around, fighting and being noisy kids, I wondered if that day would ever really come. I heard about parents with empty nests who found they had nothing in common with their spouses any more. Their marriages fell apart and whatever was left of the family the kids once knew soon disappeared. I can say with total confidence that that will certainly not happen to us. Larry and I enjoy the time we visit with our now-grown children, but we also look forward to going home to a peaceful, tidy home.
We know the same food will be in our refrigerator after work that was there when we left the house that morning. I will enjoy doing laundry for only two people and I know there won't be any surprise visitors in my house when I wake up in the morning.
Perhaps it isn't as difficult for me because two of my older boys live nearby with more of my grandkids. If I get lonely for a little snuggle or hug, all I have to do is drop by or call. It is the best of all worlds.
So, I guess this is hello empty nest. I've heard about you for a long time and wondered if I would ever really get to experience you. Granted, it's only been a few days, but this feels just fine. I know that come Thanksgiving, the house will be overflowing with children, grandchildren and adopted family members who will fill the rooms of our home with suitcases and noise, followed by peace and quiet when they leave. It doesn't get any better than that.
by Chris Lundstrom
(Posted 8/19/2010 08:00 am)
Well, I did it. I managed to send my youngest child to college without shedding a tear.
After 35 years of ear infections, temper tantrums, dirty diapers, tooth fairies, messy rooms, school projects, sleepless nights and broken hearts, I will come home to any empty house every night. And it will feel just fine.
My husband, Larry, and I accompanied Stephen to Waco last week and helped him move into his apartment so he would be settled when his classes begin at TSTC later this month. Unlike Jessica, who had to have everything just so, Stephen was more concerned about the placement of his recliner and his father's wiring the surround sound to his television. After a trip to the store for the rest of his necessities, he was all moved into his new home. He was so calm and matter-of-fact about taking care of business, by the time we left I felt confident he would do just fine. We spent the day making sure he had all that he needed before heading out for Huntsville, where Jessica is attending Sam Houston University.
We didn't get there until about 10 p.m., but she and her roommate Megan had a lovely dinner waiting for us. They had set the table with nice dishes and even had candlelight. It couldn't have been tastier or more well-presented. She is staying in the same apartment, but it made me feel so proud to see how cute, clean and well-organized everything was. We spent the night in her bedroom so we could fill her pantry the next day.
After spending so much time – and money – getting them settled for another school year, it was a relief to see that they were both going to be ok living on their own. After all, what parent wants their children to live with them forever? From the time they begin walking, they are taking steps towards someday walking away from their home and parents to begin their own lives. How exciting to see them come to that point and know they are prepared.
We left Jessica's apartment mid-afternoon to go spend some time with Larry's sister and husband who also live in Huntsville. We had a nice visit before leaving to return home. One more stop was needed, though. Our oldest son, Dean, lives in Sugar Land with his wife and my two adorable granddaughters, so even though it was 9 p.m. before we pulled up in front of their house, they were glad to see us.
People tell you all the time while raising your children, to enjoy them because they will be grown up before you know it. On my most chaotic days while they were all still at home, running around, fighting and being noisy kids, I wondered if that day would ever really come. I heard about parents with empty nests who found they had nothing in common with their spouses any more. Their marriages fell apart and whatever was left of the family the kids once knew soon disappeared. I can say with total confidence that that will certainly not happen to us. Larry and I enjoy the time we visit with our now-grown children, but we also look forward to going home to a peaceful, tidy home.
We know the same food will be in our refrigerator after work that was there when we left the house that morning. I will enjoy doing laundry for only two people and I know there won't be any surprise visitors in my house when I wake up in the morning.
Perhaps it isn't as difficult for me because two of my older boys live nearby with more of my grandkids. If I get lonely for a little snuggle or hug, all I have to do is drop by or call. It is the best of all worlds.
So, I guess this is hello empty nest. I've heard about you for a long time and wondered if I would ever really get to experience you. Granted, it's only been a few days, but this feels just fine. I know that come Thanksgiving, the house will be overflowing with children, grandchildren and adopted family members who will fill the rooms of our home with suitcases and noise, followed by peace and quiet when they leave. It doesn't get any better than that.
Thanks for help
(Posted 8/18/2010 08:00 am)
My family and I would like to thank everyone that participated in the barbecue benefit to help defray my medical costs.
From the friends that worked long hours in preparation for the benefit, the workers that worked hard in the heat of the day, and to all of our friends, family, and to the Jackson County residents that came out to pick up plates on that day, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all your generous donations.
The benefit was a huge success because of you and would not have been possible without your help.
The Diaz & Rodriquez Families
Megan, Katy, Belinda, Albert
Amanda & Mody
Ganado, Texas
(Posted 8/18/2010 08:00 am)
My family and I would like to thank everyone that participated in the barbecue benefit to help defray my medical costs.
From the friends that worked long hours in preparation for the benefit, the workers that worked hard in the heat of the day, and to all of our friends, family, and to the Jackson County residents that came out to pick up plates on that day, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all your generous donations.
The benefit was a huge success because of you and would not have been possible without your help.
The Diaz & Rodriquez Families
Megan, Katy, Belinda, Albert
Amanda & Mody
Ganado, Texas
I'm right where I want to be
by Kendrick Callies
(Posted 8/6/2010 08:00 am)
Column
A few weeks ago I was sitting at my desk, mind wandering, when I began to think about how big the earth is and how many people live on it other than myself. Then I began to reflect on the endless possibilities that exist for human beings both good, bad or otherwise.
I thought of the types of lives people choose for themselves, the careers they make, decisions on marriage, children, and even whether to abide by the law or not. Then I thought, with all the options that are available, why am I right here right now doing what I am currently doing?
After all this reflecting I figured out that I am where I am because here is exactly where I want to be, and I’m doing what I am doing because this is exactly what I want to do. I think that rings true for everyone, even the people who don’t particularly like where they are in life. They are where they are because that is where they want to be, because the reality of it is is that if they wanted something different they would do different things to get what they wanted, no excuses. I could go on and on on this subject but I’m not a preacher and that is not the purpose of this column.
My reason for writing this time is simply to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who reads my articles and has complimented me on my writing ability.
An extra special thank you to those who have expressed to me that they look forward each week to seeing what I have to say. When I hopped on board of the Herald-Tribune train I really did not know what to expect. I did know that the most important part of being a writer is that people actually read what you write.
I’ve enjoyed meeting all the people who I’ve written about and now consider them all to be friends. There are times, however, when I miss the daily companionship of my girlfriend and all of the amenities and entertainment that comes with living in a larger city, but I keep telling myself that there has to be a purpose for me being here and hearing some of the nice things that people say makes me feel appreciated.
I am not naive though, and I know that a pat on the back is only two inches from a kick in the rear, so this is not meant to be a “look at me I’m special” viewpoint, it’s just a public way of saying thanks for reading my work. God bless!
by Kendrick Callies
(Posted 8/6/2010 08:00 am)
Column
A few weeks ago I was sitting at my desk, mind wandering, when I began to think about how big the earth is and how many people live on it other than myself. Then I began to reflect on the endless possibilities that exist for human beings both good, bad or otherwise.
I thought of the types of lives people choose for themselves, the careers they make, decisions on marriage, children, and even whether to abide by the law or not. Then I thought, with all the options that are available, why am I right here right now doing what I am currently doing?
After all this reflecting I figured out that I am where I am because here is exactly where I want to be, and I’m doing what I am doing because this is exactly what I want to do. I think that rings true for everyone, even the people who don’t particularly like where they are in life. They are where they are because that is where they want to be, because the reality of it is is that if they wanted something different they would do different things to get what they wanted, no excuses. I could go on and on on this subject but I’m not a preacher and that is not the purpose of this column.
My reason for writing this time is simply to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who reads my articles and has complimented me on my writing ability.
An extra special thank you to those who have expressed to me that they look forward each week to seeing what I have to say. When I hopped on board of the Herald-Tribune train I really did not know what to expect. I did know that the most important part of being a writer is that people actually read what you write.
I’ve enjoyed meeting all the people who I’ve written about and now consider them all to be friends. There are times, however, when I miss the daily companionship of my girlfriend and all of the amenities and entertainment that comes with living in a larger city, but I keep telling myself that there has to be a purpose for me being here and hearing some of the nice things that people say makes me feel appreciated.
I am not naive though, and I know that a pat on the back is only two inches from a kick in the rear, so this is not meant to be a “look at me I’m special” viewpoint, it’s just a public way of saying thanks for reading my work. God bless!