S-T Juniors Host Spaghetti Dinner

The community is invited to stop by the S-T ISD Events Center Tuesday night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the Annual Junior Class Spaghetti Dinner. Plates are $5 adults and $3 children under 12. Pre-sale tickets may be purchased from any Junior Class member.

Obituary - J.L. Copeland

The Victoria Advocate reports the passing of Joe Lando "J.L." Copeland of Skidmore-Tynan. Mr. Copeland died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006 at the age of 80. Graveside services will take place 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Skidmore's Evergreen Cemetery.

Tori O'Brien 1st Runner Up in BCJLHS Queen's Contest

Victoria "Tori" O'Brien, representing Skidmore 4H Club, was named 1st Runner up in the Bee County Junior Livestock and Homemaker's Show Queens Contest.

Also representing Skidmore in the Queen's contest were Meghan Bloemer of Skidmore-Tynan FFA, Brittany Kopplin of Sew & Show 4-H, and Princess candidate Rachel Mengers of Skidmore 4H.

Photographer Arthur Robinson was on hand to record the event for posterity. See photos at Rob's Digital Photography.

Recognizing Those Who Serve

The Signal is compiling a list of local servicemen and women. If you know of an active duty member of the military who is a current or former resident, or has family in our area, please contact the Skidmore Signal or leave a comment below. Please also include branch of service and a phone number or email address of someone who can provide followup information.

Soldiers currently serving our country overseas: (list in progress)

• Carpenter, Joseph
U.S Coast Guard
Barber's Point, Hawaii
Joseph is a 2001 graduate of S-T ISD.
• Hall, Roy A.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Son of Roy & Emelia Hall, son-in-law of Chuck & Wanda Mortensen
• Naranjo, Eric
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Deployed to Iraq
Son of Baldemar Naranjo and Sylvia Alvarado
• Owen, Logan A.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Son of Ruben I. Owen of Skidmore and 2005 S-T grad.
• Ramos, Adrian
(info pending)
• Robinson, Gwendolyn
Sergeant First Class, U. S. Army, serving overseas
Wife of Arthur Robinson of Rob's Digital Photography
• Staggs, Joshua B. has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
Private, U.S. Army
Son of Michelle Nichols of Corpus Christi and 1999 S-T grad.
• Terry, Edwin L., Jr.
Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force
Stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Az.
Deployed to Iraq and Kuwait
• Wallek, Lucas C.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Grandson of Edwin and Jessie May Wallek of Skidmore.

Markham Makes Class 2A All-State Team

Breaking News: The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Skidmore-Tynan linebacker Markham named Class 2A all-state.

Updated Caller-Times story: Skidmore-Tynan's Markham makes first-team TSWA all-state team. Jordan Haws, Garret Gonzales, and Josh Owen make Honorable Mention team.


Defensive Linebacker #23 Cory Markham fights through the Blanco line in the final game of the season.

Sports Pics

Brett Howard shoots a 3-pointer in the Varsity game versus George West.


Chris Patrova scrambles for the ball in Tuesday's Freshman basketball game.

See more great photos at Rob's Digital Photography.

Scouts Announce Annual BBQ Fundraiser

Boy Scouts of America Troop #456 of Skidmore are working on plans for their 7th annual BBQ fund raiser. The BBQ is set for Sunday, March 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Skidmore Fire Stations at 4th & Refugio Street. Brisket plates with trimmings, iced tea, and dessert are just $5.50 per plate.

This fund raiser helps send the boys to summer camp and buys needed equipment and awards. Come join us for some great BBQ and support a worthy organization. Presale tickets will be available in mid February.

The Boys Scouts welcome boys from age 11 to 18 who might be interested in joining the troop. For more information please contact Vickie Stubenthal 287-3252.

Obituary - Marie Lee Wheelis Schendel

The Victoria Advocate reports the passing of former Skidmore resident Marie Lee Schendel, Friday, January 20, at age 76.

Lucas C. Wallek Deploys to Iraq

Marine PFC Wallek, Lucas C., son of Douglas and Elizabeth Wallek of Ben Bolt Texas, has been deployed to Iraq with the 3/5 Marines. After finishing his training in California where he received a commendation for the best score on a fifty calibre machine-gun, he enjoyed a short leave during the Christmas holidays to visit with his parents and friends.

Lucas is the grandson of Edwin and Jessie May Wallek of Skidmore and Jeannie Goynes of George West. Please keep him in your Prayers.

Bobcat Little League Sets 2006 Registration Dates

The Bobcat Little League Board of Directors met Tuesday, January 17th to discuss plans for the upcoming season. The board agreed to once again interleague with Sinton whose season starts March 25th, 2006.

The league set Early Registration fees at $30 for the first child and $20 each additional sibling. The fee will increase to $40 for the first child at Late Registration. New players will be required to present an original birth certificate and three proofs of residency. Potential managers and coaches may fill out a volunteer form at registration.

Early Registration
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Jan. 23-25, 2006
3:30 - 6:30 at the S-T ISD Cafetorium

Late Registration
Saturday-Sunday, February 11-12, 2006
12:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Skidmore Fire Station.

Player Tryouts 1
Saturday-Sunday, February 18-19, 2006
Boys & Girls 10 - 12 year olds

Player Tryouts 2
Saturday-Sunday, March 4-5, 2006
Boys & Girls 10 - 12 year olds

First Day of Practice
March 13th, 2006

Historical Notes Update

We are a bit behind in posting Edwin Wallek Jr.'s "Historical Notes" online but, better late than never. Newly posted in Historical Notes are "Saturday Night in Beeville" and "Cattle Drives." More to come!

Bobcat Little League Prepares for 2006 Season

Bobcat Little League is gearing up for the 2006 baseball season. Board members will meet Tuesday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Skidmore Fire Station to discuss plans for the upcoming season. Little League board meetings are open to the public. Please drop by Tuesday night if you are interested in learning more about the league. Volunteers are always needed and always welcome!

Sports Pics

Alexandra Gonzales goes for two - photo courtesy of Arthur Robinson.

See Rob's Digital Photography's Skidmore-Tynan album for more great shots of Friday's Bobcat and Ladycat basketball games.

In-Laws & Out-Laws Call for Donations

Once again it's time for the Bee County Junior Livestock and Homemakers Show. For the past 9 years the In-Laws and Out-Laws have been working for the youth of Bee County with an emphasis on Skidmore. By combining the resources of local individuals and businesses, we create greater buying power at the Special Sale. Our objective is not to purchase Grand or Reserve Grand Champions, but to help area youth who don't have a buyer avoid receiving a minimum bid.

This year's Special Sale will be held February 4th. In order for our group to be successful, we need your help. If you wish to contribute or need further information, you may call Mary Anne Linney, Chairman and founder of the group. Email mawlinney@hotmail.com Make checks payable to the Bee County Junior Livestock and Homemakers Show, P.O. Box 167, Skidmore, Texas 78389.

A list of In-Laws and Out-Laws donors will be published in the Bee Picayune as a thank-you and as a little advertisement for your support. Posters will also be placed in the building with a list of all donors and your name and/or company will be announced throughout the auction as a contributor to the buying group. We appreciate your support! -- Submitted by Mary Linney

Sports Pics

Jordan Haws takes the ball down court in Tuesday's win over Three Rivers.

Rob's Digital Photography took some nice shots at Tuesday's Bobcat and Ladycat basketball games.

School Board Affirms Superintendent's Contract

Update 01-11-06: The Signal previously characterized the board action as a "vote of confidence." Considering Dr. Belmarez was already under a 5-year contract as of January 2005, the vote was more of an affirmation of the existing contract than a renewal or "extension" as we previously reported. We regret the error.

The Monday, January 9 meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Trustees heard the Superintendent’s and Administrators reports and reviewed Local Policy Update 77. The Consent Agenda was approved including Approval of the District Finance Report. The board adjourned to closed session at 6:27 p.m. to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation, the Superintendent’s employment contract, and personnel recommendations. Trustees returned to regular session at 9:37 p.m.

Action items in Monday’s meeting included:

Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s). The board approved the hiring of High School Counselor Helen Favre and Elementary Special Education Teacher Robin Bledsoe.

Consideration and Possible Action on the Superintendent’s Employment Contract. A motion by Board President Rick Olivares to continue the contract of Superintendent Dr. Brett Belmarez to the year 2010 was approved.

Consideration and Possible Approval of Proposed District Goals for January through December 2006. The board approved this item after brief discussion.

The next meeting of the S-T ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled Monday, February 13, 2006, at 6:00 p.m.

Josh Owen Named to CC Caller-Times All South Texas Team

Josh Owen was the sole representative of the Skidmore-Tynan football team named to the 2006 Caller-Times All-South Texas Football Team.

S-T ISD Trustees to Review Superintendent's Contract

Potential attendees of the Monday, January 9, S-T ISD Board Meeting can expect a long wait as Trustees adjourn to closed session to discuss the Superintendent's annual evaluation and employment contract.

Action Items in Monday's meeting include Consideration and Possible Approval of Personnel Recommendation(s), Consideration and Possible Action on the Superintendent's Employment Contract, and Consideration and Possible Approval of Proposed District Goals for January through December 2006.

Click here to view the full agenda and informational packet.

Haws, Gonzales, Players to Watch

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Jordan Haws and Garrett Gonzales are two of the players to watch this year in District 31-2A boys basketball. See Predictions for boys basketball district races.

Booster Club Needs YOU!

The Skidmore-Tynan Athletic Booster Club needs your help. Football season may be over but the club is far from finished for the year. The Athletic Booster Club supports all our athletes, boys and girls, in both high school and middle school.

Parents are needed to help with various fund raisers and projects that continue throughout the school year. Planning continues and you can help direct the future and success of the club. New ideas are encouraged and needed to help provide the necessary equipment needed by our athletes.

The Booster Club meets only once a month, on the first Monday at the the High School. The room is in the wing between the old gym and the weight room. Meetings last about 1 to 2 hours. Our next meeting is scheduled Monday, January 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. We hope you will make plans to attend and find out what the Athletic Booster Club is all about.

Tynan Rings in the New Year with Annual Dance

Every New Year's Eve, the Galloway Brothers play the Tynan Recreation Hall and every year, we take the same dang grainy picture of them singing "Man of Constant Sorrow" dressed up as the "Soggy Bottom Boys." Next year, we'll try to be a bit more creative.

This year's Tynan Recreation Hall New Year's dance had something for everyone. While the adults caught up with old friends and hit the dancefloor, teenagers gathered in small groups to socialize, and younger children peered out the windows of the hall to watch Edward Hernandez's annual front yard fireworks display. Even the weather was cooperative as a weak cold front blew through just in time to cool down the packed hall and delay the onset of predicted nighttime fog - allowing everyone a safe drive home.