Paw Print Press Proudly Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997

Itasca, Texas 76055 Vol. 2008 Issue #17 April 25, 2008

Garden Club Holds 2008 Annual Flower Show

Reporter Mary Maddox

Each April the Itasca Garden Club helps Mother Nature usher in spring by holding its annual flower show. The show was held at the Farrow Room on April 10. Unlike many previous years, the weather has been great for the flowers, lots of sunshine and water, so there were an array of blossoms from which to choose. The show is always an opportunity for the members of the club to show off their flower arranging talents. Members always try to use unique containers and include an extraordinary combination of color and plants. The club also is responsible for many of the flowers and shrubbery in the city parks and along side some of the highways. FFA members Jacob Pelham, Jon Rodgers and Terrey Brumbalow were in front of the Farrow Room selling a variety of potted flowers and bedding vegetables. The funds from the sale will be donated to the Rotary Club for the up-keep of the Veterans Memorial.

See collage on page 7.

Maria Worth to Attend Bluebonnet Girls State

Whitney American Legion Auxiliary Sponsors Junior

Information from Girls State brochure & website.

Whitney American Legion Auxiliary members Bobbie Jo Vessels and Treasure Hawhee presented Maria with her Girls State membership. Also pictured is IHS Counselor Grace Hennig. Junior Maria Worth has been chosen by the Whitney American Legion Auxiliary to attend the 2008 Bluebonnet Girls State session in June at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. The one-week program begins on June 17. This is the fourth year Itasca has had a representative at this prestigious gathering. While there, Maria will take part in mock elections, trials, government seminars and leadership workshops. She will also be urged to run for office in this mythical 51st state. The purpose of the American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls State is to educate young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Its purpose is to awaken within the youth of our nation a sincere conviction that a well-informed, intelligent, participating citizenry is most vitally needed to protect and preserve our American institutions and our American democracy. In Girls State, the young citizens “learn by doing.’

2008 Relay for Life Event Hillsboro Eagle Stadium

May 16 & 17 “PRAISE POSSE” to Perform

See story on page 3.

Page 2 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Churches of Itasca Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 3rd Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 Itasca Nursing Home Sunday - 10:00 a.m. Everyone Welcome Monday Evening 6:00 p.m.

Central Baptist Church Sunday: Praise and Worship 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. R.A.’s & G.A.’s (1st-6th) - Youth (7th-12th) 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday - Ladies’ Bible Study 10:45-12:15 p.m. Wednesday - Supper 6:00 p.m. ($2.00 ea. w/$10.00 max/family) Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 p.m.

Youth (7th-12th) 7:00 - Kids’ Choir 7:00 p.m. website - itascacbc.org

First United Methodist Church Come join us in our beautiful, historic sanctuary, where worship is a joyous celebration. Main at King St.

Rev. Tom Wood, Pastor Worship 10:50 a.m. 254-687-2475

Itasca Church of Christ I heard of the death of a well-known person who practiced an Eastern religion. My thoughts went to "how sad it is his life ended, and now he will stand before God to give an account of his life." My thoughts then turned to those around us; how many know the Truth and how many ignore knowing the TRUTH! We will all stand before the Living God when this life is over and give account. Have you really searched God's Word for truth, or are you just taking someone else's word? If you search His written word, the Bible, you will find truth. Not in "I just feel it's alright and acceptable." Won't you join us for study of God's Word and worship at Church of Christ 200 N Aquilla Itasca, Texas Sunday 9:45am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm, and Wednesday 6:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church 9:00 Praise & Worship (Sanctuary) Cross Roads Band

9:15 - 9:45 Fellowship Time in Barton Hall 9:45 - 10:30 Sunday School all Ages (Nursery - Seniors) 10:50 - Praise and Worship - 11:00 - Worship Service

"Hour of Power" - 7th - 12th grades Sunday evenings 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Barton Hall

Exercise Classes- Senior Citizens Tues. &Thurs. 10 a.m. Game Night –3rd Tuesday Night – 6:00 p.m.

Angel Food Ministry Host Site - 687-2243

Itasca Zoning Committee Meeting 2nd Monday of Month 6:00 p.m.

Municipal Court Building 136 N. Hill St.

Itasca Ministerial Alliance Meeting Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 9:00 a.m.

Central Baptist Church

Itasca City Council Meeting Monday, May 19, 2008 6:00 p.m. Municipal Court Building 136 N. Hill St.

Itasca ISD School Board Meeting May 12, 2008 7:00 p.m.

IISD Administration Building - 123 N College St.

Chamber of Commerce Meeting Monday, April 28, 2008 5:30 p.m.

HILCO Operations Building E. Main St.

Volunteer Fire Department Meetings 2nd Monday of Month Business Meeting - 7:00 p.m. 3rd Monday of Month Fire Training - 7:00 p.m.

Help Wanted The First Presbyterian Church of Itasca is looking for a Youth Coordinator. The position is for 20 hours per week. If interested, please call 254-687-2243.

Notice

The City of Itasca are hereby advertising for the highest and best bids on the following properties struck off to the City of Itasca as Trustee in delinquent tax sale. The properties will be sold without warranty in an as-is condition and may be subject to redemption rights.

Property Id Number Legal Description

100090 Browder addition Block 29 Lot 4 119609 Original Town Block 35 Lot 12A 103673 Sunset Addition Block 2 Lot 19 102049 Renshaw Survey Abst. 779 Tract 46 102247 Sunset Addition Block 1 Lot 9 119352 Browder Addition Block 30 Lot 9 119453 Original Town Block 1 Lots 3B & 4B 102695 Browder Addition Block 30 Lot 7

Please submit your bids to Itasca City Hall by close of business on May 8, 2008 include in a sealed envelope: your name and address, and telephone number, the property you are bidding on, and the planned use of the property. Also, please mark on the outside of the envelope: ITASCA SEALED BIDS.

Page 3 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

American Cancer Society 2008 Relay for Life

Press Release

This year’s exciting Relay for Life program is packed full of “Can’t Wait!” activities and is promising to be a “Don’t Miss-It” evening of memorable performances in Eagle Stadium in Hillsboro! Praise Posse Productions has generously donated the use of both their concert equipment and technical per-sonnel to set-up the main stage PA sound system, kara-oke system, and other electronic needs for talent per-formances scheduled for the entire night of May 16 until dawn May 17. Experienced show presentations specialist Jeff Montgomery will MC the karaoke sessions and DJ special music through out the evening. Southern Gospel Music Association artist “PRAISE POSSE” is one of the special guest bands to provide mu-sic entertainment at both the Relay for Life (May 16 at 7:00 p.m.) and the Cancer Survivor’s Dinner on May 10 at 6:00 p.m. This inspiring band features an exception-ally talented core group of musicians: Russell Shelby (percussions), Benny Lamson (the baseman), Forest Barber (lead guitar), Threcia Green (vocals), Ricky Villa (vocals) and Cal Green (rhythm guitar). PRAISE POSSE skillfully blends their song sets to fit each unique program situation and setting, they raise the standards of great gospel music with fresh bold song arrangements that lift you higher and touch you deeper. When these guys play, sing-a-long participation is usu-ally contagious, and fortunately encouraged. Seeing this free music show is a must!

Cards of Thanks Dear Booster Club, The high school One Act Play and theatre students thank you very much for the music sound system you purchased and provided to us. We have needed a portable sound system to be able to use for One Act Play. We are excited that you have provided us with the equipment we needed. Thank you very much,

Susan Crawford & OAP Students

Itasca Booster Club Meeting Monday, April 28

7:00 p.m. IISD Cafeteria

Please come and get involved in your students life. Next month we will elect officers. Come and see where you want to help. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and voice your ideas. Everyone welcome (parents of all grades).

Chamber of Commerce Business Member of the Week

Columnist Eva Mayberry

The Itasca Fire Department, con-sisting of 22 mem-bers, work very hard to keep Itasca from be-coming just “dirt and ashes.” The members of the volunteer fire de-partment take time out of their

workday to answer calls without ever getting paid. Without realizing it, many of us use the services of these heroes. They work car accidents, hazardous spills, grass fires, assist the EMS when needed and the one most important to us, house fires. Overseeing the 22 members of the department are Fire Chief Chris Shuffield, Assistant Chief Randy Kline, Captain Michael Cleveland and Lieutenant Joe Arellano. Joining the regular fire fighters are 4 junior firefighters and the ladies auxiliary. The auxiliary helps with collecting finances for the department. Fundraisers and donations are how the department affords its equip-ment. The response to this year’s donation plea has not only generated funds it has shown the IVFD how much the citizens appreciate the department. “We sent out our annual newsletters several weeks ago to the citizens of Itasca and the surrounding areas asking for donations,” Chief Shuffield said. “This year the response has been great. We have already received over $7,000.

Baby Contest May 3, 2008 Cinco De May Festival

Age Categories: 0-12 Months 13-24 Months 25-36 Months Parents must submit a $5.00 entry fee per child and a brief bio that includes the child’s name, age and parents, on a 3x5 index card to Baby Contest, P.O. Box 345, Itasca, TX 76055. Deadline to enter is May 1, 2008. No entries will be accepted the day of the contest. For more infor-mation call Frances Salinas 254-580-8276 and leave a message.

Page 4 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Senior Spotlight Nick Worth

Reporter Devin Corbitt – Cartoonist Zech O’Rarden “I like to think of myself as The Almighty Nick,” he said with a smile, “but you can call me Nick, Big Head, or (the lesser known) Ni-kolai Volkov.” Nickolas Worth is the 18-year-old son of Valya Mata who seems to do just about everything. “Siblings? No I don’t have sib-lings,” he said. “Well, not any that I claim anyway. I have dogs.” Despite the jokes, he actually has

three siblings: Andy, 22, Jenny, 21, and Maria, a junior at IHS, He also has two dogs, Scooter and JoJo, whom he adores. Although Nick did not come to Itasca until the seventh grade; he has nevertheless, made his mark on the district and IHS with both his intelligence and sense of humor. He is a four year, state-qualifying debater and has been a One Act Play cast member for three years. He has participated in UIL sci-ence, number sense, calculators, mathematics, and computer science. This year, he is the sports editor for the Paw Print Press. “One Act Play is probably the most interesting and different thing I have done in high school,” Nick said. “I never really thought I could act.” Nick had a knack for it and took home an all-star cast medal his first year. His other accomplishments include advancing to Regionals three years in a row in calculators and receiving numerous departmental awards. Before his kidney injury in Sep-tember 2006, he was very active in athletics. He participated in foot-ball, tennis, track and field, and power lifting. Even with the in-jury, he still enjoys activities such as gymnastics, paintball, riding unicycles, and juggling. “I really enjoy gymnastics even if I’m not super good.” Nick is ready to leave Itasca, but he is not sure if he is ready to dive into the stress of the real world. After graduation, his plans include attending Texas Tech University and majoring in Pre-Medicine. He hopes to become either a specialized doctor or a kidney surgeon. “I have a word of advice for the little underclassmen,” Nick said with a smirk. “You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.”

IMS Focus Sha’Monica Anderson

Reporter Devin Corbitt Sha’Monica Anderson, also known as Monica, is an A-B Honor Roll student who loves math. ”Math is really easy for me, so it’s my favorite class.” Along with math, Monica also enjoys playing sports. She is active in all school athletics. She ran cross-country, played basketball, and participated in track, where she threw shot put and discus and ran in the relays. She is a trumpet player in the Itasca High School Band. “Playing basketball is one of my favorite things to do.” Monica’s friends describe her as outgoing, funny, athletic, and caring. “Monica is a very good leader and she’s a really honest person,” fellow classmate Maria Zuniga said. Outside of school, Monica likes to draw, write stories, play games, and style hair. She is the daughter of Shirley Anderson.

For Sale Glastron Swinger boat - 70 Hp - 2003Trail-rite Trailer w/spare tire - Boat has hydraulic steer-

ing & Piranha fish finder - $1800 $1500 or best offer - 254-687-2108 - 405 N King St.

House for Sale 601 E. South St. – 3-1 w/carport

Call 254-582-2603

City-Wide Clean Up May 10-24

Citywide clean up will begin May 10-24. Until then put out at least 1 bag or 1 box with the things you want to get rid of for the trash truck each week.

Help Wanted

Applications are being considered for secre-tary/bookkeeper for a small business in Itasca. Experience in Quickbooks and other com-puter skills necessary. Hours and salary nego-tiable. Call 687-2642 between 9-5 p.m.

Page 5 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Itasca PD Police Blotter – – March

3-4 – Fingerprinting request – Itasca PD 3-4 – Assisted citizen – 1200 blk. E. Main St. 3-4 – Assisted IVFD – 300 blk. E. Marrion St. 3-4 – Animal complaint (Skunk) – 100 blk. Circle Dr. 3-5 – Assisted EMS – 100 blk. W. Spurgeon St. 3-5 – Funeral escort – 500 blk. E. Main St – Cemetery 3-5 – Driver conflict – I-35W southbound mm 8 3-6 – Removal of roadway obstruction (trash can) – 300 blk. K Lane 3-6 - Removal of roadway obstruction (trash can) – 100 blk. W Spurgeon St. 3-6 – Assisted motorist – Wampus Cat Dr. & E. Main St. 3-6 – Traffic stop (Speeding) – Arrest for DWLI w/prior convictions (Black male 31) – I-35W northbound mm 7 3-7 – Animal complaint (Loose dog)–700 blk. Central St. 3-7 – Civil matter – 100 blk. W. Wilkerson St. 3-7 – Harassment complaint – 100 blk. W. Wilkerson St. 3-7 – Assisted citizen – 300 blk. S. Lamar St. 3-8 – Assisted motorist – I-35W northbound mm 6 3-8 – Assisted citizen – 400 blk. E. Main St. 3-8 – Noise complaint – 100 blk. E. North St. 3-9 – Animal complaint (Loose horses) – 900 blk. S. Hill 3-9 – Assisted DPS/EMS w/major accident (motorcycle) – Air Evac called – FM 66 & HCR 4418 3-9 – 911 hang up calls (Business pay phone) – 200 blk. N. Hill St. 3-9 – Assisted DPS with possible DWI – I-35W mm 8 3-9 – Disturbance (verbal) – 200 blk. Lamar St. 3-10 – Welfare check – 1200 blk. S. Files St. 3-10 - 911 hang up calls – 500 blk. E. Martin St. 3-11 – Information on possible theft – Wampus Cat Dr. 3-11 – Traffic stop (Speeding) – Citation for speeding & possession of drug paraphernalia (White male 23) – I-35W northbound mm 9 3-12 – Water leak – 100 blk. E. Spurgeon St. 3-12 – Assisted citizen – 100 blk. N. Hill St. 3-12 – Assisted citizen – 200 blk. S. Hill St. 3-13 – Suspicious activity – 600 blk. E. Adams St. 3-13 – Assisted HCSO – 500 blk. HCR 4421 3-13 – Unattended death – 400 blk. E. Main St. 3-13 – Suspicious activity – 300 blk. E. South St. 3-13 – Assist HCSO & Covington PD – FM 66 & Hwy 171 3-14 – Open door – 200 blk. of W. Main St. 3-13 – Domestic conflict – (Citation for juvenile in pos-session of cigarettes) – 800 blk. E. Adams St. 3-13 – Welfare concern – 300 blk. S. Lamar St. 3-14 – Open door – 900 blk. E. Wilkerson St. 3-14 – Assisted TABC- Information – Itasca PD 3-14 – Report of possible drug activity – 100 blk. S. Aquilla St.

3-14 – Assisted HCSO w/animal complaint (Loose cattle) – I-35W southbound mm 12 3-14 – Assisted HCSO (Reckless driver) – I35W mm 3 3-14 – Traffic stop (Speeding) – Seized stolen firearm from Oklahoma City) – I-35W 3-14 – Civil matter – 100 blk. W. Wilkerson St. 3-14 – Suspicious person – 100 blk. E. Main St. 3-14 – Assisted DPS (DWI arrest) – I-35W mm 7 3-15 – Animal complaint (Claimed dog killed pet rabbit) – 500 N. Wesley St. 3-15 – Assisted DPS (Road rage) – I-35W mm 2 3-15 – Suspicious persons/vehicles – 800 blk, S. Hill St. 3-15 – Disorderly conduct (Citation for urinating in pub-lic) – (White male 27) – 1200 blk. E. Main St. 3-15 – Assisted motorist – 100 blk. W. Main St. 3-16 – Fight in progress – 100 blk. N. Wall St. 3-16 – Assisted stranded motorist – I-35W mm 7 3-16 – Verbal disturbance – 1500 blk. E. Main St. 3-16 – Citizen complaint (Loud music) – 300 blk. E. South St. 3-16 – Report of possible burn ban violation – 800 blk. E. Adams St. 3-16 – Verbal disturbance – 100 blk. S. Lamar St. 3-16 – Assisted stranded motorist – I-35W mm 12 3-16 - Assisted stranded motorist – I-35W mm 13 3-16 - Suspicious activity – 300 blk. E. South St. 3-16 – Domestic disturbance - 300 blk. E. South St. 3-17 – Served arrest warrant – (White male 29)- Failure to appear/Bail jumping – 100 blk. W. Forrest St. 3-17 – Suspicious person – 200 blk. S. Lamar St. 3-17 – Harassment complaint – 1200 S. Main St. 3-18 – Stalled vehicle (High water) – E. Main & N. Col-lege Sts. 3-18 – Animal cruelty complaint (Dog tied in water) – 400 blk. N. Hill St. 3-18 – Assisted DPS with minor accident – Hwy. 81 3-18 – Traffic stop (Speeding 97 mph/70 mph) – Arrest (White male 19) Possession of marijuana <2 oz. & drug paraphernalia – I-35W northbound mm 9 3-20 – Assault (Bodily injury) – 600 blk. S. Files St. 3-20 – Civil complaint (Phone harassment) – 500 blk. N. King St. 3-20 – Assisted motorist – N. Hill & Monroe Sts. 3-20 – Served arrest warrant (White male 18) – Assault-Family violence – Itasca PD 3-20 – Case follow up (Stolen dog) – 200 blk. W. Hender-son St. 3-21 – Traffic stop (Speeding) Black male 31 – Vehicle towed (Driving without license) – I-35W mm 7 3-21 – Assisted citizen – 1200 blk. S. Files St. 3-21 - Traffic stop (Speeding) Hispanic male 25 – Vehicle towed (Driving without license) – I-35W mm 7

Page 6 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Spring Festival “We Are Making Music”

Reporter Devin Corbitt Photos by Mrs. Pam Willman

Collage by Katelyn Seaman

Itasca Elementary School pre-sented its annual Spring Festival on April 3, 2008. This year’s theme was “We Are Making Music.” Elementary Principal Karon Far-quhar opened the show with a wel-come, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem conducted by the Itasca Cub Scout Pack #366. The Festival featured songs sung by Pre-K through fourth graders. Each grade recited its own song, and all grades sang two songs to-gether. The Festival was directed by Kerry Covington with Sam Sherber assisting.

Jump Rope for Heart Reporter Maria Worth – Photos by Amber Wesley – Collage by Kristen Worth

On Friday, April 4, the fourth grade broke some sweat for Jump Rope for Heart. The stu-dents participated in a fundraiser to raise money for American Heart Disease and Stroke Asso-ciation. The money helps fund research for heart related dis-eases. Harley Germer won the cov-eted first place plaque by raising the most money, 318. Several other students raised as much as $150 on their own. In all, the fourth grade class raised $1,768. At the Jump Rope For Heart event the students had fun par-ticipating in a series of activities including jumping the snake rope, single rope, long rope, and performing tricks. The high school PALs assisted in sponsor-ing the fundraiser. They fur-nished the refreshments and par-ticipated in the jumping and turning the ropes. “This is always an activity the students look forward to,” Coach Sam Sherber said. “It is an especially fun event for the students since the PALs are involved. I thank the PALS for always being involved, and this year I want to thank Mrs. Amanda Cranfill for giving me a hand.”

Page 7 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

2008 Itasca Garden Club Annual Flower Show Collage by John Prescott

Page 8 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Dog Gone Fun First Weekend of May! Press Release

Many Central Texans are looking forward to two exciting happenings that will occur the first weekend in May. On May 3, avid cyclists from around the state will participate in the inaugural Waggin Trail Bike Ride. The cyclists will tour through the county’s pristine country roads to enjoy a day of fun and challenging bicycling in one of the most beautiful and unexplored areas of Texas—Hill County. Four routes are planned to appeal to all levels of cyclists, from the competitive and challenging Greyhound Route 70 miler and the Shepherd Route 51 miler; the intermediate level Beagle Route 36 miler; and the family oriented Poodle Route 10 miler. All proceeds from the Waggin Trail Bike Ride will benefit Hill County Paw Pals and Boys and Girls Club of Hill County. Sign up for the “Waggin Trail Bike Ride” on the www.waggintrailbikeride.com or www.hcpawpals.org web-sites. Sign-up forms can also be downloaded and mailed. Forms can be found at the Hillsboro Police Department, R&R Fitness Center or at Antique Village. Immediately following the Waggin Trail Bike Ride, on Sun-day, May 4, Outlets of Hillsboro offers a fun-packed 2008 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Many four-legged residents are looking forward to demonstrating their abilities at the 1st Annual Tractor Supply Chihuahua Race. If you are the proud owner of one of these speedy canines, registration for this event will be from 12-1 p.m. on race day and the race begins at 2 p.m. Fans and family are welcome to attend. All proceeds will be directed to Paw Pals’ animal shelter building fund. Following the race, at 3 p.m., the all-female pop/techno cumbia/hip hop group “La Conquista” originally from Mon-terrey, Mexico will perform. For additional details, contact Rebecca Galuppo at rgaluppo@outletsathillsboro.com. Hill County Paw Pals are continually trying to bring change to Hill County and to better the lives of our four-legged com-panions. If you would like to join this group of compassionate advocates for a better Hill County, please contact us at 580-0679 or visit our website www.hcpawpals.org.

Cinco de Mayo Booth Application Send fee and booth requirements to:

Booth Application ℅ Itasca Cinco de Mayo

P O Box 345, Itasca, TX 76055

Outside spaces are $30.00 without electricity & $40.00 with electricity (1 16-gauge cord). Each additional cord is $10.00 extra. Please indicate what you are selling, and if it is food, please indicate what type. Spaces are 6’x12’. To have your booth open at night during the dance there will be an additional charge of $15.00. Only two people per stand will be allowed. Booth stands for the dance are on a first come, first serve basis. You must pay for your booth entry by the deadline of May 1, 2008. No exceptions!

Chicken BBQ Plate Sale 3rd Day Worship Center

107 E. Adams Saturday April 26

BBQ Chicken Breast - Sausage Link Rice, Beans, Potato Salad

$7.00 Itasca Delivery Available - Come by or place your order by phone or email Contact Kuka @ uth3rd_day@yahoo.com - 832-286-6733 - church phone - 254-687-2066

All proceeds will go towards 3rd Day Worship Center Youth

Mother’s Day Cakes Beautiful, heart-shaped Mother’s Day cakes on sale now! Proceeds go

to send kids to summer camp. See or call Joy Anderson at the high school to order one now. 582-3769. Mother’s Day is May 11.

Help Needed Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard to supervise all swimming activities for resident children in the Presbyterian Children’s Home. Must be able to maintain swimming pool in clean, safe, use-able condition at all times. Must be able to work primarily in an outside setting. Work schedule includes daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Proper use of personal safety equipment is required. Minimum age 18 years with high school diploma and certification by a recognized accrediting body as a lifeguard. Previous experi-ence (volunteer or paid) in supervision of swim-ming activities preferred. More information - visit pchas.org; apply online or send letter and resume to employment@pchas.org.

Blood Drive The Itasca High School Student Council is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive on Wednes-day, May 7 from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm. in front of Itasca High School. Last year more than 40 units of blood were collected. Please donate. For an appointment or more information please contact Sally Crouch@ 254 687 2922 ext 115 or scrouch@itasca.k12.tx.us. Each donor will receive a gift. Bring a Photo ID and eat and drink well before donating.

Page 9 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Do You Remember...?–“The Great Train Wreck” Columnist Carl Sweeney

The following is an event that occurred in our area. The time was September 15, 1896. The place was between West and Waco, Texas about three miles south of West, and one half mile west of what is now Interstate 35 highway. The spot was chosen

between two hills forming a natural amphitheater. The event was a train wreck planned and staged by William George Crush, assistant to the vice president of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, commonly called MK&T and the Katy railroad. At that time the nation as well as the railroad was experiencing an economic down turn, and Mr. Crush thought the event would stimulate their busi-ness, which indeed proved to be correct. The idea was to run two trains together at high speed meeting head on, which later was to be called the “Crash at Crush.” He temporarily named the place Crush, Texas. They built a four mile special track for the wreck. They posted handbills on the telephone poles from St. Louis, Missouri to Texas. Newspapers and magazines carried the proposed event throughout the nation. They sold adver-tising on the boxcars that were to be used in the wreck. Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus, and the Oriental Hotel in Dallas placed large ads on the side of cars. They did not charge admission to witness the crash, but sold tickets for two dollars each from anywhere in Texas to the site. There was a bandstand constructed for the officials. The band for the event performed in a tent furnished by the Ringling Bros. Circus. There was a giant sign on one of the hills stating that the place was Crush, Texas. On September 15, the day of the crash there were 10,000 people there by 10 a.m. There were 30,000 by noon, and just before show time, the crowd was estimated to have been 50,000. At that particular time in history there were 12,000 people in Waco, and the population of Dallas was 40,000, thus making Crush, Texas the largest town in Texas at that time. The Katy Railroad selected two locomotives of 1820 vintage. They were 35 ton Pittsburg 4-40’s with the old “dia-mond” smokestacks. One engine #999 was painted green and trimmed in red. The other, #1001 was painted red and trimmed in green. Each pulled six cars plus the coal tenders. The two trains were pulled up facing each other for a photo op and preliminaries. Now for the big event! The two trains backed up slowly to their starting point, which was close to two miles each train had to run. With a spinning of driver wheels and belching black smoke, they began their final run. The engineers got them going, pulled the throttle wide open, and then jumped from the trains. It was said that they reached a speed of ninety miles an hour. When they met there was a terrific impact, with a rain of wood and timbers from the cars and pieces of steel flying through the air. There was a moment of silence as if the crowd was stunned, and then both boilers blew up simulta-neously. This produced more deadly showers of debris. It flew in all directions including through the crowd. The VIP people, who were closest to the track, were hit with scalding pieces from the hot boilers. The official photogra-pher was hit and the projectile tore out his right eye. Ernest Darnell from Bremond was sitting in a mesquite tree and was killed by a chain hook. One man was killed while standing between his wife and daughter. There were three deaths, six serious injuries and many minor injuries. The Katy Railroad paid for those deaths and injuries. When the smoke cleared and things settled down a little, the crowd swarmed the site for souvenirs. Mr. Crush was immediately fired, but was discreetly rehired a few days later. He worked for the Katy Railroad for 57 years be-fore retiring. His scheme worked; Katy’s business picked up immediately. I had a good friend and a hunting and fishing buddy and a traveling partner who witnessed the wreck and he talked several times about it. It was in about 1948 when he talked about it. The friend was Frank Mar-tin, he married Lucille Stanley whose father was the respected Judge Stanley of Itasca. That about wraps up the story of the “Crash at Crush.” Some of the information was obtained from The Railroad Heritage Museum, Temple, Texas, Texas Almanac and The Texas Collection of Baylor. The photo of the two trains is courtesy of Texas Collection Baylor University. Pencil Sketch by R.R. Abernathy.

Page 10 April 25, 2008 Paw Print Press

Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

Wampus Cat of the Week Dee Marshall

Regional Qualifier - 5X Reporters Megan Goff & Mary Maddox

Last year, Dee Marshall ad-vanced to Re-gionals in all five of the events he participated in at district. This year, he did the same. Dee par-ticipates in and

usually wins the long jump, high jump and the 100-meter dash. He is part of an extremely fast 4x100 me-ter relay and 4x200 meter relay team. Running on the team with Dee is Desmond Guy, Greg Mason and Tralyn Harden. Last week at the regional qualifiers meet in Glen Rose, Dee broke the meet record in long jump with a jump of 22’11.” “Long jump is my favorite,” Dee said. “I would love to go to State in it and compete. I think our relay teams have a very good chance of advancing.”

Special of the Week

2007 Grand Marquis LS

Take a lesson from Dee’s playbook and run on down to Lloyd Ford and look at this beauty. The perfect vehicle to take you to the Regional Meet.

Leather, Loaded, Warranty

Great Buy! $16,985

Lloyd Ford – Proud Supporter of the Wampus Cats