Stay tuned...

The holidays have been quiet here in Skidmore but we expect to be back on the job in January, 2004. In the meantime, the Signal wishes you all a happy new year!

Beware Fake Ebay Notices

Please, please, please, DO NOT respond to emails from any source, no matter how "official looking," that request your personal account or password information. NO LEGITIMATE ONLINE SERVICE WILL EVER REQUEST YOUR PASSWORD VIA EMAIL. The fake Ebay announcement above is very similar to the fake PayPal announcement the Signal warned readers about back on October 26, 2003. Obvious warning signs include numerous spelling and grammatical errors and an "eebaay" site address. DO NOT click on the link to the fake eBay site provided in the email. Instead, type the ebay.com address directly into your browser, log in, and check you account status. If there is a problem with your account, you will be notified at the login screen. If you are fooled into responding to one of these emails, it is important that you immediately log into your eBay account and change your password! If you use the same password for your PayPal account, change it also. This particular scam also requests your email ID and password so you will need to change that password as well, then check to see that no sensitive information may have been sitting in your inbox or email archive folders. And finally, notify eBay of the scam by forwarding the fake email to spoof@ebay.com.

Turkey Shoot Raises Money for Bobcat Little League

Tim Patrova's winning target in the 22 Rifle Round 3. You can't shoot much better than that!

The Bobcat Little League held a Turkey Shoot fundraiser at the Hilltop Saloon Sunday. Shooters came from all over to help raise money for the new league. The contest got off to a slow start but picked up steam as participants continued to gather over the course of the afternoon. By sundown, a steady stream of shooters had completed 16 rounds. The league would like to thank the management of the Hilltop Saloon for hosting the Turkey Shoot and have tentatively scheduled another for January 17th, 2004. The league plans to sell sausage wraps in conjunction with the event.

Water Board Enlightens Community at Public Meeting

The Skidmore Water Supply Corporation (SWSC) held a public meeting Saturday morning at the Fire Station. A small crowd of local residents attended the meeting as well as County Commissioner Ronnie Olivares, and County Judge Jimmy Martinez. The board explained that lower to middle income families would get free water and waste hookups to their homes under the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) grant and that a pending USDA grant would likely cover the rest of the community. For example, a family of 4 with a total combined income in excess of $32,950 would not be eligible under ORCA but may be covered by the additional USDA funds. The exact amount of USDA funds available will not be known for a matter of months but board members are confident the USDA grant will come through. The cost of connecting water and sewer lines was estimated at $1,500 to $1,600 for those not covered under the grants. However, upper-income property owners will have the option of completing the connections themselves should the grant money run out. Ram II Construction has been contracted to lay the water and waste lines and will set up a temporary office adjoining Papa's Market. Residents are encouraged to double check, and revise if necessary, the proposed location of water and waste hookups by speaking with Ram II owner Ralph Menard. It was pointed out that the SWSC has raised over $5,000,000 for community water and waste disposal and that the installation of fire hydrants along the water lines would likely lower residents insurance rates. The SWSC will hold a special meeting at 2:30 pm on Monday, December 22, at the Skidmore Fire Station.

Booster Club Fundraiser Fruitful

Jr. High student Jeffrey Burris picks up a box of fundraiser grapefruit.

The Bobcat Booster Club Orange & Grapefruit Sale was a big success. Booster Club members Rocky Stautzenberger, Tryne Mengers, and Cathi Petrus were at the school weight-room Wednesday distributing the mountain of produce. Students sold over 300 boxes of oranges and grapefruit, raising more than $1,700, for the Bobcat Athletic Department. Zachary Petrus and Amanda Boscamp were the high-sellers for the Jr. High, distributing 23 and 17 boxes of fruit respectively. High School students Cindi Gonzales and Thomas Doubrava tied with 8 boxes each.

Old Issues of Original Skidmore Signal Discovered on Microfilm.

While browsing the University of Texas online library catalog, we came across a reference to microfilm copies of the original Skidmore Signal newspaper established by C.H. Blanton back in the early 1900's. The Signal ordered and received a duplicate copy of the microfilm and hopes to publish excerpts from the newspaper over the next few weeks. The newspaper appears to have been published weekly from around 1905 to 1918. Sadly, it appears only a dozen or so issues of the 13 volumes survived. If anyone knows of any other copies hidden away in someone's attic, please notify the Signal!

S-T Bands Present Christmas Concert

S-T Band Director Ron Burgess prepares to lead the 7th Grade Band in "Rudolf, the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

The Skidmore-Tynan Junior High and High School bands presented a Christmas Concert for the enjoyment of the community on Tuesday night. The concert opened with the 6th Grade Band performing Jolly Old St. Nicholas, and Up on a Housetop. The 7th Grade Band performed Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I'm Gettin' Nuthin' for Christmas, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. To cap off the evening, the seasoned musicians of the 8th through 12th grades presented Silver Bells, I'll be Home for Christmas, the Little Drummer Boy, and Jingle Bell Rock. Band Director Ron Burgess complimented the students on their hard work and talent despite a few "tuning issues" and thanked the community for attending the concert and supporting of the S-T band program.

Bobcat Little League Schedules Groundbreaking Ceremony

The Bobcat Little League board of directors met Tuesday at the Chisholm Trail Cafe. A special groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled for January 10, 2004 at 11:00 am. Plans for several fundraisers were finalized including a Turkey Shoot on December 21st a the Hilltop Saloon, a Bake Sale to be held at Papa's Market on January 10th, and a Sausage Wrap Sale on the 17th of January at a still undetermined location. In other league business, Lucy Rocha collected the league's first official sponsorship donation from Seaside Mobile Homes. One of two vacant spots on the Little League board was filled by Linda Cabrera who was voted in as the new league treasurer. It was agreed that the league president, secretary, and treasurer would share check writing responsibility when the league bank account is opened. Richard Chambers agreed to take charge of the task of locating a backhoe or dozer operator to fill holes and help in clearing debris from the new field site. Tryne Mengers has very generously agreed to donate his time and the use of his "dirt buggy" to help level the field. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm. The next Bobcat Little League meeting has been scheduled for January 6, 2004.

Don't Miss School Christmas Programs

The S-T Junior High & High School Christmas Concert will be held at 5:00pm Wednesday at the Skidmore-Tynan Events Center. The Elementary will present it's Christmas Program on Thursday at 6:00pm at the Events Center. The students and teachers have put a great deal of work into the Christmas productions so come on out and show your support for their efforts.

OBITUARY: Angel Christina Miller

ANGEL CHRISTINA MILLER, 30, resident of Hempstead, passed away on December 9, 2003, on US Hwy 79, near Jewett, in Leon County Texas. She was born on January 20, 1973 in Marshall, Harrison County Texas. She graduated from Kingman High School in Kingman AZ. She then attended Tarrant County Jr. College at Hurst, TX majoring in Psychology. She was a Phi Theta Kappa, Collegiate International Honor Society member, and President of the Sierra Club Chapter. After College she held several positions including Brackenridge Hospital Pharmacy Technician, Lake Arlington Center Psychology Administrative Assistant, and Internal Revenue Service Section Secretary and Tax Examining Clerk.

While living in Austin and working for the IRS, she met and married Benjamin C. Miller on October 26, 2001. They recently moved to Hempstead, where Ben is currently employed at the local Wal-Mart store.

Surviving her are husband Benjamin Cory Miller; mother Mitzie Jones of Longview Texas, step-father Gene Patterson of Longview; sister, Sunshine Moody of Longview; mother-in-law Jerri Whitcher and husband Bob Whitcher of Corder Missouri; father-in-law Charles H. Miller Sr. and wife Rose Mary Miller of Hempstead; brother-in-law Charles H. Miller Jr. & wife Julie of Austin; and brother-in-law Les Miller & wife Tina of Sugar Land. Nieces Stephanie Miller of Texas A&M and Courtney Miller of Sugar Land. Nephew Charles Allen Miller of Sugar Land.

UPDATE: Memorial Service will be conducted 7:00pm Friday, Dec. 19, at Faith United Church, 716 First Street, Hempstead Texas. Please feel free to contact us for any additional information. -- Rose Mary Miller, 979-826-3868, email rose@Intertex.net

Jerri Whitcher adds "Bob and I would like to thank everyone for their e-mails, cards and phone calls..I have saved everything to give to Ben at a later time.....I will not be able to go to Texas for her memorial service....So on behalf of Ben and Bob and I we want to thank you all for your concern....God Bless Jerri"

Hoot Owl Hollow Under New Management

Skidmore's "Hoot Owl Hollow" saloon, located four miles east of Skidmore, reopened for business Friday, December 10th. Elaine Reed is the new manager and she and her staff have gone out of the way to make customers feel welcome. The new "Hoot Owl" features ice cold beer, darts, two pool tables, and a jukebox full of everyones favorite country and Tejano music. The Hoot Owl hours of operation have been tentatively set at 10:00 am to midnight Monday thru Friday and 10:00 am to 1:00 am on Saturdays.

Brundrett Receives BCAA 5 Year Service Award

Edward Brundrett was one of 9 people recognized at Thursday evenings Bee Community Action Agency Service Awards Banquet. Also receiving recognition for 5 years of service were Denisha Camacho, Bertha Flores, Julie Hernandez, and Jack Seals. Dorothy Angel and Rose Lewis were recognized for 10 years of service, Domingo Puga for fifteen years, and Yolanda Mendez was honored for twenty years of service.

Historical Society Enjoys Annual Christmas Dinner

Members of the Skidmore Historical Society met at Papa's Tuesday for their annual Christmas Dinner. Dick Segelkin had the honor of saying grace before everyone loaded their plates up with food. The staff at Papa's prepared a delicious meal of turkey, ham, walnut yams, green bean casserole, and my personal favorite, fruit salad. For dessert, everyone enjoyed hot apple cobbler and ice cream. Historical Society members in attendance included, Pam Doubrava, Susie Salinas, Alma Gonzales, Delia Arismendez, Maureen Duge, Rez Falcon, Annette Griffith, Dick & Barbara Segelkin, Carol DuBois, and Keith Petrus. The Skidmore Historical Society will take a break from its regular monthly meetings until March when it will again meet on the second Tuesday of each month.

Baptist Church Announces Holiday Schedule

Cyndi Bevly informs the Signal that the Baptist Church has a full schedule of events over the holidays. On December 14, local church members will travel to Mathis to attend a Christmas Cantata "His Very Own Star" at the First Baptist Church of Mathis. The program begins at 6:00pm. The church will NOT have evening services here in Skidmore, but invites everyone to come hear the cantata in Mathis. On Sunday December 21, the church will hold its annual church program and fellowship. There will be NO WEDNESDAY EVENING service on December 24. On December 31, the church holds its Annual Watch Night Service at 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall. All are invited to come and enjoy an evening of fun, food and fellowship. Bring your favorite games & snacks and enjoy fellowshipping with friends and family. Bring the New Year in with a time you will remember!

Sunday Church Services:
Men's Prayer Meeting - 9:00 am in the Pastor's Study
Sunday School - 9:45am
Morning Worship - 11:00am
Evening Worship - 6:00pm
Wednesday Evening Worship: 7:00pm 

Santa Spotted at Chisholm

That's right; Jolly old St. Nick himself was on hand for the Lions Club Pancake Supper Sunday night at the Chisholm Trail Cafe. Folks who took advantage of the annual Lions fundraiser enjoyed a tall stack of pancakes, generous portions of bacon or sausage, and their choice of orange juice or coffee for just 4 dollars a head. Children brave enough to approach Santa were rewarded with candy canes and, with any luck, just might get that Red Ryder Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range Model Air Rifle they so desperately want for Christmas.

Please Send Condolences

Former Skidmore resident and graduate, Benjamin Miller, lost his wife Angel in a tragic auto accident near Houston Tuesday morning. His mother, Jerri Whitcher, asks that condolence cards be sent to Benjamin at the following address:

Benjamin Miller
P.O. Box 99
Hempstead, Texas 77445

2003 S-T All-District Football Selections

Newcomer of the Year
• Allen Berthold
1st Team Offense
• Javier Elizalde (running Back)
• Ross Seger (Tight End)
• Humberto Torres (Lineman)
2nd Team Offense
• David Calderon (Lineman)
• Blake Stautzenberger (Quarterback)
• Colby O’Brien (Tight End)
1st Team Defense
• Thomas Doubrava (Secondary)
2nd Team Defense
• David Calderon (End)
• Josh Manthei (Outside Linebacker)
• Basililo Gutierrez (Inside Linebacker)
• Jeff Hudson (Tackle)
• Micheal Scott (Tackle)
Honorable Mention
• Will Handy (Lineman)
• Bruno Torress (Lineman)
• Jordan Haws (Outside Linebacker)
• James Garcia (Secondary)

2003 S-T All-District Volleyball Selections

2nd Team
• Becky Ramos (Junior)
• Gina Smolik (Senior)
Honorable Mention
• Cindi Gonzales
• Emily Mengers
Academic All-District
• Darcy Curnutte
• Jessica Johnson
• Katlynn Mengers
• Emily Mengers
• Sara Schirmer
• Gina Smolik

S-TISD Basketball Thanks Community

The Skidmore-Tynan Bobcat Basketball program would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the community of Skidmore for their support through the purchasing of Bar-B-Q brisket plates on Sunday, December 7.  We would also like to say a special thanks to the parents for their donations, help in selling tickets and their volunteered time to make this fundraiser such a success. Our program is a success because of you. -- Submitted by Cyndi Bevly

Talk Back to the Signal

We've added a "Comments" link to each of the articles posted to the Signal. Use it to add information we may have missed, ask a question, express your approval or disapproval of a story, critique the latest blockbuster movie, or just chat. No big deal... have fun with it, or not.

Flu Shots and Dental Care at S-TISD

The good folks of Spohn Hospital will be in town Tuesday Dec. 9 to administer Flu shots to students and the community. The shots will be given in the S-TISD Board Room from 3-5pm. The price is $12 for a flu shot and $25 for a pneumonia shot. School nurse, Barbara Seger informs the Signal that the Whitley Mobile Dental Clinic will return to the Skidmore Elementary this week. Mrs. Seger reports "the dental people were vandalized in Robstown prior to coming to us last November so were only here two days..." The mobile clinic will set up outside the Elementary Thursday and Friday, December 11th and 12th, to care for students they were unable to see during their last visit. To schedule an appointment, call 960-1214 during the day or 991-7207 evenings.

Have a Pancake with Santa

The Skidmore-Tynan Lions Club announces its 2nd Annual Pancake Dinner with Santa. The dinner will be hosted at the Chisholm Trail Cafe Sunday, Dec. 7, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Plates will consist of three pancakes, and four slices of bacon or two sausage patties for a $4.00 donation. For coffee and juice add $0.75 more. Santa's visit will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pre-sale tickets will be available. Contact 361-287-3586 or 361 287-3847 for more information. Proceeds go to local Lions Charities. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the S-T Lions.

Bobcat Little League Schedules Fundraisers.

The Bobcat Little League board of directors met Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Chisholm Trail Cafe to discuss the upcoming season. The league has completed a survey of the school property on which the new ballpark is to be built and is coordinating with donors and volunteers for the materials and labor to construct the field. A field work-day was tentatively scheduled for January 10, 2004. It was agreed that board members would begin taking sponsorship checks so that funds will be available when it comes time to open a league bank account. Several fundraising ideas were discussed including a bake sale, scheduled on the 10th of January, and a fajita and sausage wrap sale on the 17th. Looking a bit further ahead, the league will sponsor a cook-off fundraiser March 19-20, 2004. A raffle was also discussed and the league plans to call area businesses for donations. The next meeting was scheduled for December 16, 2003, 7:30 pm at the Chisholm Trail Cafe.

Methodist Church Opens Thrift Shop

The Methodist Church has opened a Thrift Shop in its former Fellowship Hall. The Church has recently seen a surge in membership and has outgrown its current space. Proceeds from the thrift shop will go towards the construction of a new Fellowship Hall. The shop is open for business from 1 pm to 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.