Mortensen Makes Cover of Western Horseman

Dan Mortensen, on the right, nephew of Chuck and Wanda Mortensen, made the cover of the December issue of Western Horseman. He is also featured in an article inside, Finals Forecast. Although he placed 8th in the saddle bronc world championship this year, he currently shares the record of six wins with legend, Casey Tibbs.

Señal De Skidmore

The public service announcement below was provided by Mr. Montemayor in English and Spanish. I'm not sure how many non-English speaking people read the Signal online but for those who do, the website can be translated (with varying degrees of success!) into virtually any language thanks to the wizards at Google. Spanish speakers, for example, may click on Señal De Skidmore. Or, use Google Language Tools to translate this or any other website into the language of your choice.

NOTE: Software generated translations often read like gibberish but are good for a laugh - and you can usually get the general idea of the story.

Celebrate the New Years Safely - Ten Un Año Nuevo Seguroñ

Use Fireworks Responsibly
Usa Fuegos Artificiales con Responsabilidad

• Adhere to all county and city fireworks laws.
Cumple con todas las leyes relacionadas con fuegos artificiales de tu condado y ciudad.
• Use fireworks outdoors, in a safe area, away from dry grass and buildings.
Utiliza los fuegos artificiales en un área segura, lejos de edificios y pastos secos.
• Follow directions – with adult supervision.
Sigue las instrucciones - bajo la supervisión de un adulto.
• Keep a bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby.
Ten a la mano: un balde de agua, toallas húmedas y una manguera de jardín.
• Discard used fireworks.
Descarta el uso de fuegos artificiales ya utilizados.

Submitted by County Extension Agent Donnie Montemayor on behalf o the Texas Forest Service

ICC Parishioners Enjoy Christmas Program

Immaculate Conception parish held their annual Children’s Christmas program and parish Christmas party last Sunday evening. The performance began with the Posada, which ended in the parish hall, with Mary and Joseph arriving at the stable. Then the play ‘Searching for the Christ Child’, created and directed by Reeys Falcon, continued the story. Shepherds carrying lambs or staffs searched in the audience for the Child, finally arriving at the stable. Angels appeared and the Star of Bethlehem moved in place ahead of the shepherds then settled over the manger. Songs included in the production were We See the Star, Where is the Child?, Silent Night and Joy to the World.

Afterwards, each individual performer walked on stage, was introduced, bowed and proceeded across to the opposite side.
Actors were: Mary, Beatrice Hinojosa; Joseph, Ralph Hinojosa; Baby Jesus, newborn Ralph Hinojosa, Jr.; Shepherds: Janelle Castaneda, Tori Contreras, Adam Gonzales, Maria Hernandez, Alyssa Hinojosa, Isabel Hinojosa, Shabree Mortensen, Tres Ortiz, Eddie Salas, Alexandra Sifuentes, Cassandra Soto, Clarissa Soto, Katrina Soto, Salvador Soto III, Pedro Torres, Viviana Torres and Christiana Trevino. Angels: Briana Castaneda, Kiana Castaneda, John Gabriel Cumpian, Felicia Ortiz, and Salvador Soto II. Star of Bethlehem: Zachary Mortensen. - Submitted by Wanda Mortensen

Caller-Times Girls Basketball Predictions

John Allen of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times says look out for Skidmore-Tynan's Emily Mengers, Stephanie Coker, and Stephanie Estrada in Predictions for girls basketball district races.

A Bit of Local History on Ebay

Someone in San Antonio is auctioning an 1876 "Craven & Skidmore" billhead on Ebay. The bill reads "Papalote, Texas - Dealers in General Merchandise - Cash paid for hides and wool" and lists a series of items at 1876 prices. We can't quite make out who signed for the bill. Click here to view the auction.

S-T Christmas Concert

Mr. Lara addresses the audience at the 2005 Christmas Concert.

S-T ISD Junior High and High School music students, under the direction of Florencio Lara, entertained a packed house at Thursday's Fall Christmas concert. The audience enjoyed a program by the 6th Grade band, 7th Grade band, and High School band and choir. Notable performances included the 6th graders' humorously titled "Old McLara Had a Band," an audience participation sing-along of "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer," and the always popular "Ukrainian Bell Carol" as performed by the High School band. The program ended with the audience standing, per classical tradition, to Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." Oh yes, and "Happy Birthday Mr. Schirmer!"

Click here for more concert photos at Shutterfly.com

S-T Players Named to All Bay Area Football Team

Bay Area Sports held their annual banquet Wednesday, December 14, at the Ramada Inn Bayfront Hotel in Corpus Christi. All-Bay-Area football teams were announced and Skidmore-Tynan was represented well. S-T players receiving awards were:

All Bay Area All Classification Team (including 2A to 5A schools)
Garrett Gonzales - Defensive Back
Josh Owen - Running Back

Newcomer of the Year
Noel Soliz

Heart Scholarship
Bubba Gonzales

All Bay Area 2AA Team
Cory Markham - Linebacker
Frankie Vega - Defensive Back
Jordan Haws - Quarterback
Dionel Colmenero - Offensive Line

Congratulations also to S-T Athletic Director Adam Arroyo and his excellent coaching staff for being named Bay Area 2A Coaching Staff of the year!

See the Bay Area Sports website for photos and a full list of award recipients.

Drama Department Presents Hilarious Fall Production

Coleman Mengers runs down "Sue" played by Miranda Bohac in a tragic bus accident.

The S-T ISD Drama Department, directed by instructor Pam Keeton, presented "Competition Piece" Sunday, December 11th. The production was a humorous take on High School "One Act Play" contests, and lots of fun for audience and actors/actresses alike.

Highlights included Rob Boscamp's Japanese puppetry, "Coach Grubowski" played by Elizabeth Torres, and lots of hippy weirdness by Stephanie Schirmer as "Mrs. Melloncamp."

If this piece is any indication of things to come, this year's One Act Play should be a winner!

Click here for more Fall Production photos at Shutterfly.com

Yzaguirre All South Texas Cross Country

Jairus Yzaguirre was named to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times All South Texas Cross Country First Team. Check out the story online in 2005 Caller-Times' All South Texas cross country teams.

All District Cross Country picks have also been announced. Skidmore-Tynan's Stephanie Coker, Kelsey Slayton, and Emily Mengers were named to the All-District 31-2A Girls team.

Jairus Yzaguirre was the only Skidmore-Tynan runner to make the All-District Boys team.

Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

A used cell phone and ink cartridge collection is underway sponsored by the Bee Proud Bee Clean organization. If you have a used cell phone collecting dust somewhere in your home or office now is the time to see that it is disposed in an environmentally friendly way. If you are like most Americans, chances are you probably do--the average American replaces his or her cell phone every 12 months. The result is that Americans discard more than 130 million used cell phones a year. That’s four cell phones per second! All of which adds up to 65,000 tons of potentially toxic waste generated annually.

Bee Proud Bee Clean in cooperation with EcoPhones, a Texas cell phone recycler, seeks to address this growing concern while simultaneously raising money for its community projects. In the Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, the group is paid for each digital cell phone collected. EcoPhones refurbishes and resells cell phones that have value and recycle the remainder in accordance with EPA regulations. Used printer ink cartridges are also being collected. This is the groups second cell phone recycling effort. The first held in the Spring was considered very successful for a first time effort.

Cell phone and ink cartridge collection boxes are available at the Bee County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office located at 411 E. Houston, Beeville. Used cell phones and ink cartridges (those that will fit in the palm of your hand ONLY) may be dropped off during regular office hours at that location. This recycling effort will end on December 31 so the public is asked to make their donations as soon as possible. For more information on the cell phone and ink cartridge recycling program please call 375-2558. -- Submitted by Elizabeth Villines

Lopez Crowned Pageant Princess

Congratulations to Skidmore-Tynan Elementary 4th grader Leslie Lopez who was crowned one of the 8 princesses in last weekend's Miss Bee County Pageant.

Pageant photos courtesy of Rob's Digital Photography.

Whitehurst Named Miss Junior Diez y Seiz

The Signal is more than a bit late in reporting the news, but congratulations also to S-T 8th grader Carisa Ariel Whitehurst who won Miss Congeniality and Miss Junior Diez y Seiz 2005-2006. This was Whitehurst's 4th year to participate in the Miss Diez y Seiz pageant.

Diez Y Seiz pageant photos courtesy of Rob's Digital Photography.

Skidmore "Elves" Help Deliver Christmas Gifts to Underpriveleged

From left to right: Sylvia Silva of Beeville and, from Skidmore, Lydia Pena, Elida Gonzales, Josie Gonzales, and Sam Pena. Also helping, but not pictured, were Josie DeLeon and Irma Stinson of Beeville.

On Thursday, December 8th, a member of the Signal staff was privileged to tour the Vineyard in Beeville. In addition to countless charitable works performed throughout the year, the Vineyard gathers toys for distribution to underprivileged families each Christmas. Not surprisingly, several members of our own little community volunteered their time to sorting and wrapping gifts for the less fortunate. The Signal salutes the selfless contributions of these individuals and encourages others to follow their lead. What a great way to give something back to the community!

Positive Outlook for Bee County

In his latest dispatch, Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez shares a report from Bee County Community Affairs Department Director, Dennis DeWitt. The report details the many positive developments currently underway right here in Bee County.

Bee County Judge Jimmy Martinez

"The following information is in response to our conversation December 1st regarding good news in Bee County. It was compiled as a wrap-up of individual items that have been in the local news or as a result of contacts to the Community affairs Department staff regarding permitting and necessary certifications. Please be advised large corporations and businesses sometimes have plan and timeline changes depending on economic and other conditions. Our office has received comments from several Bee County residents that nothing ever happens in Beeville or Bee County.

The following listing indicates there is a huge movement toward the bright future of the entire county with most of the following occurring within the next eighteen months. Historically and economically, when these type improvements in an area begin to become evident there are several more companies or businesses waiting for final plans and complete financial commitments to finalize before announcing intentions and begin their construction.

• Super Walmart coming in. Planned 180,000square foot building across from old K-Mart now TSC)-construction hopefully is beginning early 2006.

• City of Beeville to construct new water tower to supply Super Walmart and North Beeville water pressure.

• 95% chance helicopter repair company moving into several aircraft hangers at Chase Field (+- 250 workers) area being prepared now-parking lots, phone lines...

• RanchHand bumper and grill guard manufacturing coming in-to be located in former Bowman beer distributor building off highway 202

• Out of state BBQ business moving into old Burger King building on Hwy 181 business North-cleaning up location now-new roof, interior renovations

• Exxon on West side of Beeville (hwy 59W) planning on extensive renovation/demolition/rebuild

• Exxon on East side (hwy 59E) rebuilt-now Shamrock (Valero) approximately $1.5
million investment

• Major road improvements-Hwy 59, including major bridge replacement East of Beeville, East of cattle sale barn

• Loop 351 improvements over l/2 complete-now working on southeast section near Capehart subdivision

• Main bridge serving downtown Beeville over Poesta Creek being replaced-demolition complete, base superstructure construction beginning

• $6 million in historic courthouse renovations moving along-projected opening late spring 2006

• $1 million courthouse annex building almost complete-across street from courthouse-projected opening late December 2005

• CVS pharmacy to construct building off hwy 59 in vicinity of Archer Street/movie theater

• Laredo National Bank to locate in Beeville and construct new facility off Hwy 59 in vicinity of Archer Street/movie theater

• Long John Silvers to partner up with A&W root beer at current location-will add to current building

• New store/restaurant to be constructed off Hwy 59 West of Amos Welders Sales

• Coliseum improvements up and running +- $1.5 million-new arena, parking, restrooms

• Public water and sewer installation/upgrades almost complete in Skidmore $4 million project

• Public water and sewer installation/upgrades almost complete in Tynan (phase 2) $+-300,000

• $75,000 Grant for low income on-site sewer system replacement for North Bee county residents complete

• $300,000 grant for low income on-site sewer system replacement for South Bee County residents on-going

• $millions in school improvements complete-new gym, new administration building, new "elementary" school

• New, fabulous 400# bronze plaque dedicated to Bee county graduates that have served in a war zone-names and war zones detailed on plaque

• New, outstanding "Veterans Walk of Honor", with names, rank, calendar years in military-engraved on brick pavers- to be finished soon between Congressman Hinojosa's office and new Criminal Justice Center across from courthouse-to be dedicated as the Veterans Plaza, to citizens of Bee County who have served in the military

• New Subway sandwich restaurant being constructed off Hwy 59 near Tio Tire Store

• New tamale retail sales outlet moving to Beeville soon-Granny's Tamales Too-home office/manufacturing plant is in Corpus Christi-moving into former "Read's Bookstore and delicatessen near downtown post office."

Dennis DeWitt - Director, Bee County Community Affairs Department.

Open for Business

Notice something missing?

It's all those pesky advertising banners! Yep, they're gone but not forgotten. We've moved the shameless commercialism to a wholly separate page and are dedicating page one to all things local. From this point forward, if you feel like buying something (and supporting the Signal in the process), just click on the Signal Store button. We promise only to peddle quality products we ourselves have purchased, or would purchase if only we had the money.

Santa Attends Lions Pancake Supper

Mathieu Mortensen poses for a picture with Santa.

The Skidmore-Tynan Lions Club held its 4th annual Pancake Supper with Santa Sunday, December 4th, at the Chisholm Trail Cafe. Dee LeCount, Lions Club member and proprietress of the cafe, volunteered her facility and her time to ensure the event was a success. Other Lions Club members helping serve meals included club president David Waishes, Buddy Duge, Gail Staples, Brittany Luna, Santana Lopez, and Keith Petrus.

The Lions sold over 40 plates to hungry customers, earning more than $200 for club charities. In the course of the evening, the Lions voted to donate $50 to the Immaculate Conception Church to assist in preparation of holiday food baskets.

Special thanks to Santa Claus for taking time from his busy holiday schedule to personally take gift requests from local children. It was noted that Santa has really trimmed his weight down lately - most likely due to recent improvements in dietary guidlines. When asked where his reindeer were, Santa replied "They're over at Dairy Queen having a Blizzard."

Mengers, Schirmer, All-District Volleyball

Photos courtesy of Rob's Digital Photography.

Emily Mengers and Sara Schirmer received 31-2A All-District Volleyball Honors. Ms. Mengers, a Junior at S-TISD, was named to the All-District 1st Team. Senior Sara Schirmer received 2nd Team recognition.

Ham Shows Top-10 Horse Cali Cool

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports Linda Ham of Skidmore was a Top 10 finalist in the MBNA American Amateur Competition. The short acknowledgment is listed in the Caller-Times Community section.

S-T ISD Surplus Property Sale

Skidmore Tynan ISD is accepting sealed bids for the following surplus items: Washing Machine · Various Technology Items: Non-working Computers, Scanners, Printers, Television, VCR · Various Grounds Items: Non-working Husky Mower, 2 Weed-Eaters · Various Doors: 2 Garage Doors, 2 Screen Doors · Various Non-Working Air Conditioners/Fan · 3 Sewing Machines · Various Chairs/Desks/Tables · Kent Floor Scrubber · Miscellaneous Kitchen Supplies & Equipment · Typewriter

Items may be viewed December 13, 2005, from 12:00-3:00p.m. at the old cafeteria (across from the High School on Walton Street) Sealed bids will be accepted from 12:00 until 3:00p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2005. The outside of the bid envelope must be marked “Sealed Bid” and the actual bid must list the item, amount bid, name, address, and phone number of the bidder. Bids will be opened and awarded at 3:05p.m.

Items must be paid for and hauled-off immediately following the award of items. Skidmore-Tynan ISD reserves the right to reject any and all bids. All items are sold “as is” and all sales are final. No items will be loaded or transported by the District. No Checks will be accepted. Cash or money orders only.