Early Stroke Recognition Minimizes Brain Damage

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to smile.
2. Ask him or her to raise both arms.
3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE: The information above was submitted to the Signal via email with the familiar "send this to everyone you know" request. In this instance, the stroke detection method is entirely accurate and useful information that may indeed save someone's life. Many times however, the information in such emails is false and occasionally outright dangerous. One such example is a method of preventing heart attack by coughing. While "Cough CPR" is technically feasible under professional guidance, the average heart attack victim would be better off taking an aspirin and calling 911 than wasting time on a technique that could result in greater damage to the heart and possibly death (see Cough Dropped on Snopes.com).

Don't be taken in by internet scammers. Before forwarding a questionable email, check it out at Snopes.com.

Fowler Returns from Afghanistan

Sheldon Fowler in Afghanistan with Robin Williams. Sheldon missed the USO show but his "air tran" duties allowed him to meet the celebrities and entertainers as the arrived in at the airbase.

Melissa Smith informs the Signal that her fiancé Sheldon Fowler recently returned from Afghanistan. Sheldon enjoyed a brief visit with parents Bob & Deanna Fowler of Skidmore before returning to North Carolina where he is currently stationed. Ms. Smith thanks the many people of Skidmore that sent letters to Sheldon during his tour of service. "The letters really mean a lot to the soldiers." Sheldon is 22 years old and expects to return to Afghanistan sometime in 2006 as one of countless American soldiers serving in our military overseas. Please keep these young men and women in your thoughts and prayers.


Sheldon met this Afghani child as he passed out candy during a Christmas visit to the boy's village.

"Out-Law" Group Bands Together in Support of Junior Livestock Show

The In-Laws and Out-Laws are a group of individuals and businesses that have for the past 8 years joined together to create greater buying power to purchase projects at the Bee County Jr. Livestock and Homemakers Show Special Sale. The objective of the group is not to purchase Grand and Reserve Grand Champions, but to help those exhibitors who don't have a buyer and possibly keep them from having a minimum bid.

The success of the In-Laws and Out-Laws depends on the support of its members and they are now asking for donations for this year's show. The Special Sale is Saturday, February 5th. Please make your donations prior to this date. Checks should be made payable to the Bee County Jr. Livestock and Homemaker's Show and mailed to: BCJLandH Show, P.O. Box 167, Skidmore, Texas 78389.

Posters are placed in the building with a list of all donors. Donor names will be announced throughout the auction as a part of the buying group and will be published in the local paper as a member of the In-Laws and Out-Laws. For more information, contact Mary Anne Linney at 361-358-6386.

Sports Pics

Jordan Haws goes up and over a Freer player.

Click here for more photos of Friday night's games courtesy of Rob's Digital Photography.


Katlynn Mengers fights for a rebound.

Bobcat Little League Announces Player Registration Dates

The Bobcat Little League Board of Directors held a special meeting Thursday, January 20th to discuss registration dates and uniforms for the upcoming season. The board agreed to offer a $10 discount to parents who sign their children up on the first day of registration.

Player registration will take place at the S-T I.S.D. Cafetorium/Events Center on the following dates:

WED January 26 - EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT
$30 for first child plus $20 per additional sibling.

THU-FRI January 27-28
$40 for first child plus $20 per additional sibling.

Players must have a parent or guardian present at registration. Parents, please sign up your children at this time. The league will begin its season early this year and has no plans to conduct late registration.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:
Players between the "league ages" of 5 and 14 are eligible to play Little League ball. Your child's "league age" is their age as of July 31, 2005.
Example 1: A 4 year old whose birthday is July 22 is eligible to play T-Ball with a "league age" of 5.
Example 2: A 14 year old who turns 15 on July 22 would have a "league age" of 15 and be ineligible to play.

DIVISIONS BY AGE:
TeeBall: Boys and girls ages 5 and 6
Machine/Coach Pitch: Boys and girls ages 7 and 8
Minor Baseball: Boys ages 9-12*
Minor Softball: Girls ages 9-12
Major Baseball: Boys ages 10-12*
Major Softball: Girls ages 10-12
Junior Baseball: Boys ages 13 and 14*
Junior Softball: Girls ages 13 and 14
*Note: Girls are also eligible to play in the Minor, Major, and Junior Baseball divisions.

Lions Club Honors Patricia Holubec and Barbara Seger for Community Service

Lion Russell Duggins presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Patricia Holubec.

Lions District 2-S4 Governor Lion Ernest Opella attended the January 17th meeting of the Skidmore-Tynan Lions Club as they recognized high school principal Patricia Holubec and school nurse Barbara Seger.

Dr. Bret Belmarez, superintendent of the Skidmore-Tynan I.S.D. pulled some strings to ensure that Mrs. Holubec and Mrs. Seger would be present. Both of these ladies have been involved with the ISD for many years and have worked with the S-T Lions on various youth projects.

Patricia Holubec began her career at S-T I.S.D. as a Kindergarten teacher. Over the years Mrs. Holubec rose to the rank of Elementary Principal where she succeeded in raising the elementary to a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon status. Mrs. Holubec subsequently traveled to Washington D.C. where she was one of just six principals across the United States honored with the Terence H. Bell Award for leadership in education. Mrs Holubec has since been promoted to the position of High School Principal and is an invaluable asset to our school system.


Barbara Seger accepts her Certificate of Appreciation.

School nurse, Barbara Seger was also honored at the meeting. Mrs. Seger is responsible for compliance with state laws for vision and hearing screening as well as the general health of children attending the Skidmore-Tynan school. Her love for the kids that attend S-T I.S.D. comes from her heart and the assistance she has given the Lions Club is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Belmarez summed it up well, stating "Both of these ladies are so full of energy and dedication. Their hearts are as big as the world when it comes to 'their' children. We are so lucky to have these two ladies working on our campus."

Movies, Karaoke, Games, and Dancing at S-T Junior High "Reward Night"

Skidmore-Tynan Jr. High will celebrate "Reward Night" Friday, January 21, 2005. All Jr. High students are invited to attend the event with activities including movies, karaoke, and games scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A "Reward Night" dance at the Jr. High will follow in the Band Hall from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Children who do not wish to attend the dance may be picked up at the Jr. High at 7:00 p.m. Children attending the dance should be picked up by 9:00 p.m. at the Band Hall or Cafeteria parking lot.

Stating the Obvious

In what may be the goofiest headline ever, CNN reports Nation Split on Bush as Uniter or Divider The story goes on to say "Forty-nine percent of 1,007 adult Americans said in phone interviews they believe Bush is a 'uniter,' according to the CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll released Wednesday. Another 49 percent called him a 'divider.'"

Scholarship Program Offers $1,000 Awards to Agricultural Students

Students pursuing careers in agriculture are encouraged to apply for scholarships sponsored by Agriliance and Croplan Genetics. High School seniors who will enroll in a two or four-year agronomy or related crop production curriculum in the fall of 2005 are eligible to apply. Twenty $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.

"Students with leadership abilities and an interest in agriculture are needed to fill a variety of positions in our industry," said Annette Degnan, scholarship committee chairperson. "The Careers in Agriculture scholarship program helps promising students gain the education they need to secure these positions."

To qualify for the program, applicants must be a high school senior planning to enroll in a two- or four-year livestock or agronomy-related curriculum in the fall following high school graduation; demonstrate leadership and academic performance; and write an essay describing why he or she is interested in an agricultural career.

Scholarship applications are available on the Agriliance website, or you can pick up an application at the Bee County Co-op office in Tynan. Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2005. Winners will be notified in May 2005.

Wanna Buy an Old Phone Book?

The Signal has a standing search for interesting Skidmore-related items that happen to appear on Ebay. This time around we've found an "old" 1968 phone book. We're not sure who would purchase such a thing but it might be interesting from a historical perspective. At any rate, see for yourself: 1968 Beeville-Skidmore Texas Directory/Phone Book

Garrett Gonzales and Josh Manthei Make All-South Texas Football Team

Two S-T football players made the All-South Texas Football Team. Competing with players from 1A to 5A schools, Junior Garrett Gonzales made 2nd team defensive back, and Junior Josh Manthei made 2nd team utility player. Both young men received special recognition at the January School Board meeting.

Jeff Hudson Named to 2004 All Bay Area Team

Jeff Hudson is pictured in the front row, far left.

The Skidmore Signal congratulates Jeffery Hudson for making the 2004 All Bay Area Team as a defensive lineman. Jeff was recognized in December at a Banquet held at Bay Front Plaza in Corpus Christi. The All Bay Area Team includes players from Class 2A to 5A so competition for recognition was stiff. This is not the first time Jeff has been singled out as an outstanding player. In 2002 Jeff was awarded Class 2A Newcomer of the Year.

Sports Pics

Rob's Digital Photography was on hand for this Saturday's Skidmore-Tynan Jr. High Basketball Tournament. Click here to review and purchase photos from the event.


Rachel Mengers shoots a free throw at Saturday's S-T Junior High Basketball Tournament.


Chris Patrova beats a Mathis player down court on a layup.

Welcome New Teachers

The Signal welcomes the newest additions to the S-T I.S.D. teaching staff. Francis Hudson and Sue Hicks recently joined the High School faculty and Whitney Bownds and Cirilda Salazar have filled positions in the Junior High.

Harlem Ambassadors vs. Mathis Roadrunners

You've heard of the Harlem Globetrotters but have you heard of the Harem Ambassadors? The Ambassadors are a Christian group that performs exhibition basketball fundraisers similar to the Globetrotters. They will appear 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 17 at the Mathis Events Center. Advance tickets are available at C&C Auto Service in Mathis for $3 kids and seniors and $5 adults. Tickets at the door are $5 kids and seniors and $8 adults. Sponsored by the Mathis Area Chamber of Commerce. More info at 547-6112. "It's better than your grandfather's basketball show."

Storm Front Results in Brief Hailstorm

Dime-sized hail fell on portions of Skidmore as a cold front tracked across the area late Wednesday. The front hit precisely at midnight and was short lived with gusty winds and brief lightning.

Water Board to Hold Public Hearing

The Skidmore Water Supply Corporation will hold a public hearing 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 18th, at the Skidmore Fire Station. Water Board President Jim Strong and other members will be on hand to answer questions about water and wastewater services to the Skidmore township.

Sports Pics

Cory Markham shoots under heavy pressure in the Saturday, January 6th, Three Rivers Tournament. The team finished in 2nd place in the Tourney.


Josh Owen goes for 3.

Lindsie O'Neill to be Recognized at S-T ISD Trustee Meeting along with Elementary and Jr. High U.I.L. Award Winners.

The S-T ISD Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, January 10, 2005 in the S-T ISD Board Room.

The session will begin at 7:00 pm and will include recognition of Elementary and Junior High U.I.L. Academic Awards (Individual and Team), School Board Recognition Month, and Lindsie O'Neill: State Competition, Senior Creed Speaking, and Agriculture Science.

Trustees will consider the "Budget Calendar and Process for School Year 2005-06" as the only discussion item.

Action items include:

• Consideration and Possible Action to Initiate (LOCAL) Board Policy Development Causing the Board of Trustees to Appoint Individuals Representing the School District in Public Organization or on Public Boards.
  
• Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the 2003-04 Fiscal Year Financial Audit.
  
• Consideration and Possible Approval of Second Reading and Adoption of Updated (LOCAL) Policy 74.
  
• Consideration and possible approval of personnel recommendations.

"Soggy Bottom Boys" Make a Surprise Appearance at New Year's Day Celebration in Tynan

The "Soggy Bottom Boys" bear an uncanny resemblance to Sterling Hevelka, Chris Hevelka, Greg Galloway, Kellum Galloway, Garrett Galloway, and Kyle Schmidt.

It's not often big-time celebrities visit South Texas but on Saturday, January 1st, the Soggy Bottom Boys, made famous by the recent movie Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? made an appearance at the Tynan Recreation Hall. The Galloway Brothers headlined the event and graciously ceded the stage to the visiting entertainers. Organizers, Kyle Schmidt, Austin McDonald, Rex Bomer, and Dustin Greenwood, hope to make the New Year's gathering an annual event.