Marine PFC Luke Wallek, grandson of Edwin & Jessie May Wallek recently was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat in Iraq. Edwin & Jessie May learned the news during a Christmas visit from their grandson and, on a happier note, report he was married in September.The commendation is as follows:
For professional achievement as a machine gunner, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force (forward) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. In the Al Anbar province, Iraq. From January to August 2006.
Private First Class Wallek demonstrated proficiency, attention to detail, and initiative while serving in multiple gunner billets in “Alpha” section. His billets include gunner on the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher and gunner for the lead vehicle’s .50 Caliber machine gun, positions usually reserved for the most experienced machine gunners.
On 26 March 2006, Private First Class Wallek engaged a small enemy force attempting to emplace a roadside bomb, which resulted in their capture and detainment. He consistently performed his duties with outstanding proficiency and dedication to his unit. Private First Class Wallek’s outstanding initiative, perseverance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Signed by P.G. Looney, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC, Commanding, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines.
Skidmore's Lori Hudson was among five Texas Baptist women who traveled to the economically depressed Eastern European country Moldova. The five "spent a week offering hope and encouragement to Moldovan women." The trip was sponsored by the Woman’s Missionary Union as part of their International Initiatives program. Read more in the Texas Baptist Standard: 
Reeys Falcon informs the Signal that he recently had several items stolen from his home including a camera, family heirlooms, and other expensive items. "I didn't miss my camera until I started packing early November for my trip to Chicago," said Mr. Falcon. "The other things I discovered missing after my return." 
In a letter, dated December 21, 2006, the Skidmore Water Supply Corporation announced a special meeting to be held at 2:00 p.m., January 9th, 2007. The purpose of the meeting is to amend the bylaws of the corporation to allow 10% of the membership to represent a quorum at annual meetings rather than 50% as is now required. To that end, SWSC is asking that members either attend the October 9 meeting to cast their vote, or return a proxy letter allowing SWSC Board Member Keith Petrus to vote on their behalf.
We've gotten a bit behind in posting sports photos. For shots of the JV Ladycats Banquete tournament, the JV Boys Sinton tournament, and the JV and Varsity boys vs. Edna, check out the 
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Skidmore-Tynan ISD was held December 11, 2006 in the Skidmore-Tynan School District Event Center Board Room. 
The Skidmore-Tynan High School Student Council led a school wide effort during the month of November to raise food for needy families of the Coastal Bend. 3,662.6 lbs of food was donated by students, teachers and administration. That was 13.42 pounds per student at S-T High school. This amount made the Skidmore-Tynan High School the largest contributor in the area, including Corpus Christi schools.
Learn the skills needed to fill medical care positions in the community. Coastal Bend College offers Phlebotomy in Beeville on Mondays and Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m., Jan. 10 through Feb. 19, 2007 with clinicals through March 26. Learn Venitech skills and prepare for the state exam. The cost is $457.75 plus text books.
Airman Henry C. Herzog graduated USAF basic training December 1, 2006. He is the son of Henry and Rebekah Herzog of Skidmore. Henry is a brother to Dual Herzog, Tech Seargent Daniel C. Baker, and Stacey Baker, and is a 2005 graduate of S-T ISD. Henry is currently stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Witchita Falls, Texas.
Bonnie Steffens reports her son, Sheldon “Craig” Steffens, returned “safe and sound” from Iraq in late October. He is currently stationed at Fort McDill, Tampa, Florida. “Praise God,” said Mrs. Steffens. “As I understand it he will be returning in about a year for another 90 to 100 days but we never know what will happen between now and tomorrow.” Craig will return home (Tynan) for a few day’s in December for Christmas and looks forward to being reunited with wife Kathy and little Kenneth Paul! Craig is a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army, enlisted Feb. 1994, and a 1991 graduate of S-T ISD.
Bertie Rae Houck, 87, of Corpus Christi passed away Friday, December 8th, after a very short battle with lung cancer. She was born October 18, 1919, in Henryetta, Oklahoma to James Henry and Nellie Lowry Cunningham. She married Luther Houck, June 5, 1937, in Henryetta, Oklahoma and shared 61 happy years with him. From that union were born three daughters.
Two Bee County non-profit organizations are offering one of kind gifts this Christmas season. In this win-win opportunity, shoppers are able to purchase a unique gift while helping a local charity at the same time. 
The Torres Family is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Religious Education Department of Immaculate Conception Parish. This much anticipated event will take place this coming Sunday, December 10, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Plates will cost $5 each, and you can dine there or take plates to go. The menu consists of spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread and tea. A choice of desserts is included with the meal (as long as they last). Get there early for the best dessert selection. Chef Bruno, Sous-Chef Emma and assistants Diana, Humberto, B.J. and Liz invite everyone to come and enjoy the meal. - Submitted by Wanda Mortensen
We're running a bit late on this month's print edition of the Skidmore Signal. You can expect to pick up a copy Tuesday evening if all goes according to plan.