A New Story for a New Section

In honor of Mr. Edwin Wallek Jr.'s latest submission to the Signal "Autos, Tires, and Radiators," we've created a whole new page devoted to local remembrances. The page is entitled "Historical Notes" and can be found just below "Historical Timeline" in the left sidebar. Mr. Wallek has the new section to himself at the moment but we're working on finding him a little company. Check back soon for more remembrances of old-time Bee County.

Good Times Had by All at Bobcat Little League BBQ Cook Off

Efraim "Jr" Lopez and Don Johnson emerge victorious!

After a long day of cooking and judging in categories ranging from desserts to beans to brisket, Efraim Lopez and Don Johnson emerged victorious as they took the "Grand Champion" trophy in the 1st Annual Bobcat Little League Barbecue Cook-Off. A Silent Auction held in conjunction with the event also raised over $1000 to go towards the purchase of league uniforms. Thanks to all the volunteers, donors, and participants that helped to make the event a success!

Area Pet Owners Line Up for Vaccinations

Responsible pet owners take advantage of discount rabies shots.

You might not realize how many caring pet owners there are here in Skidmore without an annual visit to the rabies vaccination clinic. A steady stream of breeds of all shapes and sizes could be seen lining up Saturday at the Skidmore Fire Station for yearly preventative shots. Thanks to the South Texas Veterinary Clinic for helping keep area pets disease-free through low cost vaccinations. And, thanks also to the many good local folks who take the responsibility of pet ownership so seriously.

Weekend Update

Saturday looks to be a busy day. Kick off the day with a free vision screening at the school Cafetorium sponsored by the Lions Club. Screening begins at 9:30 pm. Participants will be checked for near-vision, far-vision, and glaucoma. From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, stop by the Skidmore Fire Station and have your pet vaccinated for rabies. Then finish off the day by bidding on one over 30 items donated for the 1st Annual Bobcat Little League Barbecue Cookoff & Silent Auction at the Bee County Coliseum Fairgrounds. Update: Bidding will close at 5:30 pm.

Bobcat Sports Pic

Kelsey Slayton takes First Place in the Ingleside Jr. High 2400 meter run.

District Welcomes New S-T Athletic Director

If you haven't met Skidmore-Tynan ISD's new athletic director, Adam Arroyo, you'll have the opportunity on Monday, March 29, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. in the school "cafetorium." The district will hold a reception welcoming the new Athletic Director. Cookies and punch will be served.

Lions Club Elects Officers

The local chapter of the Lions Club met Tuesday night at Chisholm Trail Cafe. The agenda for the evening included, among other things, the induction of a new member, officer elections, and a presentation by Pearl Richardson of the Beeville Lions Club. The Lions are proud to have inducted their newest member, Gail Staples, into the club. Most of you know Ms. Staples as the nice lady who brings you your chicken strip basket at Chisholm. The Lions are happy to have her on board and expect she will set as fine an example in community service as she does in customer service. The results of the officer elections are as follows: President, David Waishes; Vice President, Keith Petrus; Secretary, Russell Duggins; Treasurer, Ann Duggins; Lion Tamer, Dee LeCount; Tail Twister, Brittany Luna; Membership Chairman, Robyn White; and Program Chairman, Vickie Stubenthal. All directors were nominated and approved by acclamation, at least one of the above being coerced into service with the promise that the position in question had "very few actual duties." Elections were followed by a presentation by Pearl Richardson of the Beeville Lions Club. Mrs. Richardson is the district director of the Lions International Youth Exchange and outlined the goal of promoting a "spirit of understanding between cultures" through the program. The Lions thank Mrs. Richardson for taking time to fill us in on this underutilized program. Discussion on the possibility of forming a local "Leo" club for young adults was tabled pending a report by Lindsie O'Neil on the level of interest among her fellow S-T High School classmates. The Lions would like to remind the community to take advantage of the Vision Screening being offered at 9:30 am this Saturday, March 27, in the school "Cafetorium." Tickets for the Annual East Basket Raffle have been selling like hot-cakes and are still available at the Chisholm Trail Cafe.

Little League Season Underway

Oh the boredom of waiting your turn.

Monday marked the first day of practice for Bobcat Little League. The new league encompasses the entire Skidmore-Tynan School district and has signed up over 150 players on 10 baseball and 3 softball teams. The league would like to thank the many volunteer managers and coaches who are giving so generously of their time. Tee Ball: Shanna Salinas and Gerardo Camacho. Machine Pitch: Toby Salinas, Donato Salinas, and J.J. Trevino. Minor Baseball: Rey Jimenez and Tryne Mengers. Minor Softball: Jennifer Chambers. Major Baseball: Ed Wilson. Major Softball: Ricardo Alaniz. Junior Baseball: Thomas Mengers and Ronnie Petrus. Junior Softball: Darryl Hudson. All of these managers and their coaches will be working overtime over the next few months in service of our community. Be sure to let them know they are appreciated.


Coach Rocha helps with equipment adjustments.

S-TISD Unveils New Website

S-T ISD webmaster, James Henshall writes "After nearly a month of reconfiguration, graphic overhaul and installation of new features, we are proud to present the new S-T ISD Online Website." In addition to cosmetic changes, the site now features a new "commenting" option, content panel, submissions form, and help section. Visitors are encouraged to leave feedback on the new layout. The site is republished at least every 48 hours so check in often for the latest school news. The Signal is also happy to report that we are now an official affiliate of S-T ISD Online and hope to work more closely with the school in reporting future news and events. Click Here to visit S-T ISD Online.

Bobcat Sports Pic

Relay anchor David Calderon takes the baton, and eventually overtakes his opponent for a spectacular finish-line win in Saturday's Bobcat Relays.

Little League Thanks Booster Club

Team sponsor D.L. Ramirez again digs deep to support Bobcat Little League.

Bobcat Little League would like to thank the Booster Club for allowing it to participate in Saturday's Bobcat Relays. Board members arrived at the field at sunrise to prepare for the event and are credited with raising close to $400 on behalf of the league. Thanks to Ed & Wanda Wilson, Richard & Jennifer Chambers, Linda Cabrera, and Candy Chambers for their hard work in preparation and sale of the items. The league would like to remind everyone of next week's Barbecue Cook Off and Silent Auction to be held at the Bee County Fairgrounds Saturday, March 27th.

Bobcat Relays Saturday

Skidmore will play host to area schools at Saturday's Bobcat Relays track meet. The Bobcat Booster Club has generously agreed to share concession sales with Bobcat Little League, the latter of which will provide, breakfast tacos, sausage wraps, hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbecue burgers. The Booster Club will provide the usual drinks, candy, popcorn, etc. Come on out and support both organizations while cheering on our high school athletes.

Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Bring you dog or cat by the Skidmore Fire Station Saturday the 27th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for a Rabies vaccination and avoid the possibility of losing your pet to this preventable disease. The Fire Station is located at 4th & Refugio Streets. Rabies shots are $5.00 - Combination shots $10.00.

Bobcat Little League Announces Upcoming Fundraisers

Members of the Bobcat Little League Board of Directors met Wednesday at the Chisholm Trail Cafe. Adrian Pena, president of the Mathis Little League, spoke briefly to the board about the possibility of inter-league play. Bobcat Little League currently plans to inter-league primarily with Beeville but may allow special games with other local leagues. Board members discussed two upcoming fundraisers, the first of which is the sale of barbecue wraps at this weekend's High School Track Meet. On Saturday March 27th, the league will sponsor a cook-off and silent auction at the Bee County Coliseum Fairgrounds. A vote on splitting the Junior Boys division into two separate teams passed by a narrow margin. Practices will begin Monday, March 22. The next Bobcat Little League meeting will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at the Chisholm Trail Cafe.

Judge Hayes Diary Records 1902 Fire

Carol Dubois presented the Signal with the 1902 Diary of her great grandfather, W. R. Hayes. In it he describes one of the big fires that occurred after the turn of the century. In his own words:

January, Tues 14 Rain commenced to fall this morning at 5 a.m. and continued with high East wind until noon. Probably 2 inches fell. It was a great helping to the country.

January, Wed 15 Norther this morning. Tolerably cold - Took Mr. Kuanoe(?) and Amado and worked in Fadden lane making 2 gates for Mr. Crow. Went there after working at the fire from 3 a.m. and writing account below for Post and one for Picayune. I didn't awake until the 3 buildings were in flames - though I helped to save a small building used by Benham as Drug Store.

THE TEXAS FIRE RECORD - Heavy Losses in Buildings and Goods at Skidmore - The Spread of the Flames Was Prevented by the Heavy Rain of Yesterday. - Skidmore, Texas, January 15. - At 3 o'clock this morning a fire occurred here that within an hour caused the following losses: R.J. Turner, saloon, building $1500, stock $2200; Henry Kruetzer building, occupied by J.B. Brown, $1000; J.B. Brown, general store, stock $3500; W.R. Miller, building $700, stock of goods $3300; drug store of C.W. Benham scorched by fire and damaged, but saved, including barber shop of Lee Tremble; no insurance. Turner has $1000 insurance on building and $1500 on stock; J.B. Brown, $2500 insurance; W.R. Miller, insurance on building $300, stock $2200. The fire was probably of incendiary origin. Other buildings would have been burned only for the heavy rain of yesterday.

January, Thur 16 Cool & Pleasant. With same hands worked with wheel scraper hauling cinders and leaving(?) them along sidewalks to prevent mud. The ruins are still burning, at least the blocks and sills are, and a great many people standing around and hunting in fire for irons(?) - Amado worked for Kichler(?)

Historical Society to Participate in "Highway 181 History Trail"

The Skidmore Historical Society held its first meeting of 2004 on Tuesday. Dick Segelkin was the featured speaker. Mr. Segelkin presented an encore reading of his account of the life of a fictional Skidmore cowhand of the late 1800's. The South Texas Genealogical Society was the first to hear Mr. Segelkin's presentation a few months back and it was deemed popular enough to warrant a repeat performance. In other business, members decided to participate in the upcoming "Highway 181 History Trail" to be held June 5-6, 2004. The Historical Society plans to hold a bake sale from 10:00 am to noon on Saturday June 5, and will open the museum from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday the 6th.

New Addition to Local History Section

Mr. Edwin Wallek, Jr. recently wrote to the Signal saying "I have several ideas for stories I would like to tell. Stories of life in Bee County. Some are historic, some humorous. Stories told to me by my Grandfather and others." We are pleased to report that the first in what we hope to be a long string of Mr. Wallek's recollections has been posted to the Local History section of the website. It it entitled "Roads" and is quite an entertaining look back at how roads, or the lack thereof, helped shape our local history.

Community Turns Out in Force to Support Boy Scout Fundraiser

Scouts load up barbecue plates at the Skidmore Fire Station.

One of the nicest things about life in a small town is how everyone pitches in to support local youth programs. Sunday's Boys Scouts barbecue brisket fundraiser was no exception with folks coming from far and wide to help our local Troop 456 raise money for its "5th Annual Boy Scout Summer Camp." And in true scouting fashion, a courteous young man was on hand outside to help folks carry to-go plates to their cars.

Bobcat Little League to Hold Barbecue Cook-Off

Bobcat Little League will hold it's "1st Annual Barbecue Cook-Off" on Saturday, March 27th at the Bee County Coliseum Fairgrounds. Admission is free - doors open to the public at 8:00 am Saturday. Cook-Off categories include brisket, chicken, pork spareribs, dessert pie, and beans. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place trophies will be awarded in each category along with an overall Grand Champion. Those wishing to compete in the Cook-Off may contact Edward or Wanda Wilson at 361-547-3112. The entry fee is $75.00 with proceeds benefiting the Bobcat Little League. The event is sanctioned by the IBCA (International Bar-B-Que Cookers Association).

2003 S-T All-District Basketball Selections

The Signal congratulates the following outstanding Skidmore-Tynan students for their athletic and academic accomplishments

Co-Offensive Play of the Year
Ross Seger (Sr.)

Co-Newcomer
Jordan Haws (Soph.)

1st Team All District
Nathan Duke (Sr.)
Javier Elizalde (Sr.)

2nd Team All District
James Garcia (Jr.)

Honorable Mention All District
Jason Bevely (Jr.)
Thomas Doubrava (Secondary)

Academic All District [Maintained 90+ average for the 3rd and 4th Six Weeks]
Jason Bevly (Jr.)
Nathan Duke (Sr.)
Jordan Haws (Soph.)
Henry Herzog (Jr.)
Ross Seger (Sr.)

S-TISD Website

Bobcat Sports Pic

Ricky Gutierrez, Chris Patrova, and Jose Lopez compete in Friday's Beeville Jr. High Track Meet.

Historical Society Resumes Monthly Meetings

Carol Dubois called to inform the Signal of the resumption of regular monthly meetings of the Skidmore Historical Society. The Society is just coming off its annual winter break and will resume meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Skidmore Museum at Sullivan Street & Hwy 181. This month's meeting will take place Tuesday, March 9th, at 7:00 pm. All are welcome at the meeting - Historical Society member or not. Please come join in the effort to preserve our local history.

Support Lions Club Easter Basket Raffle

The Signal received the March copy of the "Lions Roar" today. Lions Club editor Russell Duggins writes "Easter is just around the corner and we have kicked off our Second Annual Easter Basket Raffle. We have collected some very nice gifts that are being put into the basket and some that will be drawn for as second and third place prizes." The easter basket is on display at Chisholm Trail Cafe where you may also purchase the raffle tickets. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and participants need not be present at the drawing to win. The drawing will be held on Good Friday (April 9). All proceeds to go Lions Club charities. Businesses supporting the Lions by donating items include the Surprise Party Store, Golden Chick Fried Chicken, HEB, Bee Family Fun Center, and others. Lion Russell Duggins further writes "You can do us a favor by visiting these businesses and purchasing some of their items. Their customers make it possible for them to donate to non-profits and not-for-profit organizations such as the S-T Lions."

Give Blood - Get Goodies.

S-T School Nurse Barbara Seger informs the Signal that the Coastal Bend Blood Center will be holding a Blood Drive at the Skidmore-Tynan High School next week. The Drive is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10th, 2004, from 9am-3pm. Aside from possibly saving a life or two, donors will receive a free T-Shirt and a Whataburger coupon.

Excerpts From Original Skidmore Signal

From the Friday, May 23, 1913 issue of the Skidmore Signal, published by Charles H. Blanton. Millers' Notice. Until further notice the Skidmore mills will grind corn only from 9 am to 2 pm on the first and third Saturdays in each month. G.H. Hillesheim, mayor of Tynan, was in town Tuesday and called at this office to have us change his address to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, for which place he expected to leave yesterday to spend several months. During his absence he states J.M. Seward will be at the head of Tynan's municipal affairs. The mayor pro tem has qualified and will have an easy time, as there are only two people to look after. The old mayor had three. We wish Mr. Hillisheim a pleasant visit to his old home in faraway Minnesota. Need it? Yes! You need some of Dr. LeGear's Stock and Poultry Medicines, for your stock and poultry. At Niemeyer & Co. Baseball Notes. The Sandia team came up last Friday morning for a match game with the local boys. The game was quite one-sided, the score being 15 to 4 in favor of Skidmore. The Sandia boys are a very well-behaved bunch, but we can't avoid saying that the nicest thing about their visit was the coterie of young ladies from Sandia, who came up to encourage their knights - or, maybe their presence rattled the knights. The local boys went down to Sinton Friday afternoon and after an adventurous automobile trip were walloped by their opponents by a score of 8 to 5. The figures, however, indicate that some pretty close playing was done. It seems impossible for Skidmore players and their hereditary opponents, the Sinton players, to determine who are the better on the diamond. The game here Wednesday was one-sided to beat the band. The local sluggers, notably Charley White, seemed to have a grievance of some time and took it out on the ball, punishing it unmercifully to the consternation of the Sintonites. The score stood 15 to 2 in favor of Skidmore. Local battery, Thompson and Bruns; for Sinton, Hunter and Reed and Caddel. Mrs. H.F. Faupel and Mis Eva Ballard are at Gregory this week at the bedside of their sister, Mrs. C.C. McLane, who is reported to be dangerously ill. It is understood the good lady is now convalescent. M.M. Stanley was here Wednesday from Papalote. We are informed that he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Kemp, will open up a blacksmith shop at Tuleta early next week. Officer Perkins was here from Beeville Monday on business. Studebaker Wagons at H.R. Michalke's Charley Kellner of Live Oak county was here Saturday to see his brother, Henry Kellner. Quilting cotton for your quilts at Niemeyer & Co. County court convened in Beeville Monday morning and is being attended by the usual quota of Skidmore citizens. Wood, Oil and Gasoline Stoves at H.R. Michalke's Mrs. D.M. Corrigan and baby left Tuesday for a two or three weeks' visit to relatives and friends at Beeville, Kenedy, Pettus and perhaps other points. 1000 chickens of all kinds wanted. We pay you the best price for poultry and eggs. - Niemeyer & Co.