4 tri county living 32 AT FIRST SIGHT 33 years of marriage; 27 years of service. Katrina and Trussell Thane raised a family and ministered to the community in their “Kingdom Business.” 40 HOMETOWN WEDDED BLISS Join us in congratulating these area newlyweds. 44 MEMORIES OF A WEST TEXAS FARM BOY Native Tri County man recalls his memories of World War II as a child growing up in the 1940s. 54 4-H SPOTLIGHT Shackelford County 16, 28, 50, 52, 76, 88, 102, 106, 108 Enjoy a variety of HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS in every issue showcasing the people, places, and events occuring in the Tri County area. Email office@hometownmedia.group to submit yours. 20 NOW SHOWING AT THE GRAND THEATRE One young couple is breathing new life into one of Stamford’s oldest community event centers. 30 4-H SPOTLIGHT Haskell County Contents 16 30 32 40
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6 tri county living On the Cover Photo by Jaylee Flowers Photos 56 TEACHING IS A WORK OF HEART Tri County Living recognizes Belinda Heller for 40 years of service teaching at Anson I.S.D. 60, 62, 64 HOMETOWN HELPERS Stamford Kiwanis, Anson Lions Club, and Hamlin Rotary 66 FROM RIVALS TO FRIENDS Hawley and Albany football teams both came home with a State Championship this year. These players not only competed against each other at times, but also encouraged each other on their way to the top. 74 HOMETOWN HISTORY Take a look back at these three prominent residents; Edwin Dyess, Ray Perry & Dr. Harry Haynes. 66 94 56 78 PERPETUATING THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST A high school FCCLA project is preserving the memories of one of Tri County’s oldest events. 86 4-H SPOTLIGHT Jones County 90 HOMETOWN BUNDLES Welcome our communities’ newest residents. Have your photographer submit newborn images to us to be featured in a future issue to office@hometownmedia.group 94 NO ONE SHOULD EAT ALONE How this group of women are overcoming loss. 90 Contents 102
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T Tri County Living Magazine© is published annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS J.D. Wendeborn Sabrina Forse Rebecca Sanchez Peggy Purser Freeman Taylor Grimm Susan Turner PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bearden Photography Jaylee Flowers Photos Unforgettable Photography by Debbie Heald Captured Photography Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13 Time flies when you are having fun! Another year is upon us and al l of us at Tr i County Living are excited to showcase the many people , places, and things that make our home THE BEST! A f t e r h e a r i n g s o ma ny wonderful stories around town concerning the 2022 State Football Champs , we were eager to investigate this encouraging story of friendship between the young men of the Albany Lions and Hawley Bearcat football teams. Both schools were present cheering for one another at AT&T stadium. As they say, teams to remember play in December. What we will remember most is not the scoreboard, but the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed making all of us in Tri Country proud! (Thank you to Brittani & Casi for your help bringing this piece to fruition.) Take a look at the many other happenings and groups around the area. From Kiwanis & Lions Club to area churches; if you are not involved, get involved! There is truly something for everyone and an opportunity around every corner to give back and make the place you call home better than you found it. If you watch the news which is filled with calamity, it is easy to be discouraged, but in a community where people care and come alongside you in hard times, be encouraged! “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” {John 16:33} I am not at all surprised and extremely uplifted to see positive growth in our towns and neighbors supporting one another. Read more about a new ladies luncheon group to see what I mean (page 94). We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to our local advertisers for trusting us with your marketing and for bringing this coffee table quality publication to you free of charge. Remember you don’t need to go anywhere else to get what you need… from tires & eats to antiques & treats, the businesses of Shackleford, Haskell, and Jones Counties have you covered. Matt and I love and appreciate Johnna Oman Page for all she does as the face of Tri County. Her devotion to her hometown and every client (past, present, and potential) is what sets her apart. Call her today to learn more about how Hometown Media Group can assist you in your DIGITAL or PRINT marketing. Check out THIS publication and past issues online: hometownmedia.group Thank you for reading! Matt & Heather Hello, Tri County! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations taylor@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Johnna Page Sales Account Executive johnnapage@yahoo.com ON THE COVER Photo by Jaylee Flowers Photos Matt. Heather, Gatlyn, Georgia Lee, & Guy David Martin PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CONTENT Diane Lundgren 8 tri county living
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Photo by Jaylee Flowers Photos Johnna, Sutton and Quincy Page
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Gwen Baker SALVATION ARMY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Gwen Baker is Chairperson and Lead of the Stamford, Texas Salvation Army Service Unit. She has served with the organization for over 50 years, and said it’s just what God has led her to do. Gwen said the Salvation Army’s mission is faithbased. “It’s God’s people helping one another.” She said the Salvation Army helps anyone and everyone, there are no income or need requirements. According to their website, THE SALVATION ARMY EXISTS TO MEET HUMAN NEED WHEREVER, WHENEVER AND HOWEVER WE CAN. The Stamford Salvation Army was founded in 1925. In its nearly one hundred years of service, Gwen has been with this unit for 40 years. She has seen the organization step up and build a stronger community time after time. “Everything that’s been put in place in Stamford is for the betterment of the community,” she said. “That’s what makes us better—being a loving, caring people.” Photos provided by GWEN BAKER Stepping up to help however she’s needed, Gwen Baker shares how the Salvation Army is building a better community.
17 hometown living at its best The Stamford Salvation Army has always been 100% volunteer and donation operated. The traditional red kettle fundraiser at Walmart is their only fund-raising event of the year. The organization is dependent upon that and direct donations to fulfill its mission. She said, “Every donation given is used here.” They help people with a variety of needs, from fire relief to gas money. “If we have someone that is homeless we try to make sure they are fed, give them a place to rest and send them on to the other resources that are available for them. I also deal with mental health cases, abuse; you name it.” Gwen said in her work at Salvation Army she tries to help in any area it’s needed, even if it’s just a gift card. “It’s not much, but at least it’s something and you ought to see the joy and the smiles because they never ask for anything,” she said. “Sometimes we need to let them know, we’re watching and we care.” Since its inception in 1925, The Stamford Salvation Army has grown immensely. Gwen said, “For this to continue at the level it has for years, we need funds. We’re not a hand-out community, we’re a hand-up community. These people work, but there is still a need.” The mission and operations of the Salvation Army are very dear to Gwen. “We help one another because we’re all God’s people, and that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “That’s the beauty of it—the reason I love it with all my heart.” Donations can be sent to PO Box 547 Stamford, TX 79553.
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20 tri county living Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos by JESSICA VAUGHAN AND COURTESY OF THE COX FAMILY NOWSHOWING AT THE GRAND THEATRE
21 hometown living at its best A A key historical feature in Stamford, the Grand Theatre has seen many generations pass through its doors, shown countless films, and made lasting memories. Withmany volunteers and customers all rallying together, theater managers Sarah and Preston Cox have thrown their wholehearted energy into creating entertainment specially designed for the Stamford area. Together they are keeping a Stamford icon alive and thriving. The Grand Theatre is a vital piece of Stamford, serving as a historical place of gathering and community-building. With a history of volunteer and patron support, its role as a hub for entertainment is sure to continue for future generations.
22 tri county living “We just love this theater,” Sarah says. “This is one of the places in town where everybody comes at some point. It was a good place to get to know people. We fell in love with volunteering. Wewanted to see it taken care of, and we felt like we could fill a role.” The Grand has a history of being a locally run hub of entertainment. The Hodge family purchased the 1920s building in 1936 and opened with neon lights as the Grand Theatre. Fundraisers for polio, performances by touring bands, and beauty pageants at the Grand made the newspapers in Abilene, Hamlin, andWichitaFalls. TheHodges operated the theater until 1949 and sold it in 1977. Renovations over the decades kept the Grand going. The most significant among needed upgrades was a transition to digital projection equipment, an expensive prospect that affected small movie theaters nationwide. In 2011 the owners closed the doors. Recognizing its importance to people, the Development Corporation of Stamford purchased the theater in 2015. After raising $100,000 and enlisting volunteers for help, the corporation opened the theater again in 2018 as a nonprofit. Renovated b u t m a i n t a i n i n g historical integrity, its legacy remains. Customers often reminisce about amovie they sawas a child, aboutmeeting someone there, and even about Hodge monitoring the theatercrowdwithhisflashlight. Curtains and carpets have been replaced with the same patterns and style as the originals.
23 hometown living at its best Upgrades include a digital projector, 350 seats, a newmovie screen, and a sound system. Then a pandemic happened. Stamford rallied to support its local theater, showing up in droves to buy popcorn at the curb, often gladly paying $20 or $100 for a $5 bag of popcorn. Sarah and Preston also came to the Grand by way of the pandemic when, like many, their job roles shifted. Sarah left hers and Preston continued working remotely. They sold everything, bought an RV, and traveled. Being away from familiar faces, Preston’s hometown of Stamford drew them back first for the holidays, and then as a place to settle. Volunteering at the theater won them over, sowhenanopportunity formanagement presented itself, Preston applied. “We were both open to being more involved in our community,” Preston, a Stamford native, says. “It was the whole reason we moved to Stamford.”
Operating the theater turned out to be a two-person job, and Sarah joined as employee number two. Both Sarah and Preston bring unique skill sets that involve connecting with people. Preston holds a graduate degree in ministry and Sarah the same in social work. Add Preston’s marketing work and music recording experience from owning the Glass Jar Studio inAbilene to Sarah’s grantwriting and organizational skills, and the GrandTheatre has a dynamic duo. Their third employee, part-time high school student Chance Birdsong, has learned nearly every facet of operating the theater. Providing vital support, his presence is missed when he plays football on Friday nights in the fall. “Between Chance, our volunteers, our board members, and the community that supports this, it is trulyanall-hands-on-deck situation,” Sarahsays. Equal parts community involvement, management vision, andboard support keep the Grand thriving. With glitzy movie mega-plexes drawing people to Abilene and streaming services offering new releases, they knew they had
25 hometown living at its best competition. However, they also knew they could offer Stamford experiences that big city movie theaters couldn’t. Being a nonprofit offers advantages to patrons like discounted ticket prices. Dedicated volunteers who show up regularly to run the ticket booth and concessions also keep costs down. On-site management at the small nonprofit means accessing new release titles, community-driven titles, and events designed for their customer base. “I was in the music industry for a bit workingwithbands,” Preston says. “We’d like to be able to provide a live music venue in Stamford. There have been several new venues to pop up. I think Stamford is going to become a live music hub in the next 5-10 years, andwewant tobeapart of that. There’s a niche that we think the theater can fill in the terms of live entertainment.” Sarah and Preston keep moving forward with ever-evolving new ideas and future plans to promote the Grand as a focal point. “Whenwe showed Elvis last July, we created a fan-going experience for that weekend that no one else was doing,” Preston says. “We had a guy fromour community that likes to sing Elvis songs. He got up and performed Elvis, karaoke style. He did a pre-show in the style of Elvis, and I dressed up like “Jailhouse Rock” Elvis. We’ve tried to anchor into that fun aspect of going to the movies. You could sit on your own couch and make your own popcorn, but isn’t it more fun to come see me in a silly costume?” Whenthepopularbook“Where theCrawdads Sing” was released as a movie, Sarah enhanced the experience. She put book club questions on the decorated lobby tables andmade charcuterie boards for concessions. When movie studio marketing suggested a grassroots approach to promoting the “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” movie, Sarah and Preston put their small-town spin on it, visiting a local school with a puppet, coloring pages, and the Lyle book. “There are younger couples and families moving back to Stamford, and there is this renewed energy of, ‘We want to love where we live. We want to take good care of it. We want to have things to do and to take pride inwhere we live,’” Sarah says. “Part of that is taking care of your people, andwe feel that is a huge thing that we truly get to do at the movies.” TheGrandTheatre is symbolicof community investment and determination. Small-town theaters have life in them, and they are the heartbeat of the people who live there, who show up and do what it takes for their theater to just keep playing more movies. The community’s support and Sarah and Preston’s vision keep the future of the Grand and Stamford looking bright. †
26 tri county living PROTECTING OUR TEXANS Shane LeFevre Agency Manager Justin Cox Agent Jason Bryant Agency Managerx Nancy Sparks Agent ANSON 2066 US Hwy. 277 N 325.823.3244 ROTAN 215 W. Sammy Baugh 325.735.3675 HASKELL 508 N. 1st St. 940.864.2647
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28 tri county living Anson HOMETOWN Happenings
29 hometown living at its best PARADE OF LIGHTS Provided by UNFORGETTABLE PHOTOGRAPHY Miss Merry Christmas Pageant
30 tri county living ACTIVITIES 4-H Haskell County Photos provided by TAMMY CUNNINGHAM, JENNY CAMACHO, &BERGENWEBB
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33 hometown living at its best I Written by SABRINA FORSE | Photos provided by THE THANE FAMILY 33 years of marriage; 27 years of service. Katrina and Trussell Thane raised a family and ministered to the community in their “Kingdom Business.” It’s a love story that started at first sight, persevered through prescribing sight for a community, and is now focusing on the golden years. “I was coming out of football practice, and she was there to meet her brother. I immediately noticed her long blond hair,” Trussell Thane recalled. “He was tall, dark, and handsome and the new guy in town. Now, he’s the old guy but still my favorite guy,” Katrina Thane said. Trussell and Katrina met in Snyder, Texas over 40 years ago. The high school sweethearts married in 1990, received an education, andbuiltwhat they call aKingdombusiness inTrussell’shometown of Stamford. Katrina said, “I always knewStamfordwas the end game for us. We always wanted to raise our children in a small town.” FIRST AT SIGHT
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35 hometown living at its best The couple first gained work experience. Katrina worked for a dermatologist in Temple and Trussell worked for an optometrist in Killeen. Two years later the Thanes moved to Stamford. Dr. Thane opened Jones-Haskell Eye Clinic in August 1994 with Katrina as his business manager. “My first patient was Clara Richards,” Trussell said. “She would always call my mother and tell her so and so needs an eye exam, so before we even opened she had a list of 22 people that needed an exam.” Over the years, Dr. Thane performed countless eye exams, fitted patients for contacts and glasses, and built a practice of service. “My grandad said, ‘I don’t know if you can make a living ina small town’ and I saidwe’re going to try it and see,” Trussell said. “We were able to get to knowpeoplewewouldn’t have knownotherwise and share in their lives all whilemaking a living,” Trussell said. Katrina agreed, “For us, we always felt blessed to make a living, but we were blessed to be able to serve and love people. A lot of ministry took place at that clinic.” The couple infused optimism into each workday and strived to build a family-oriented business. Trussell said, “Our employees were great contributors to the success of the business. We couldn’t have done it for so long without the great employees we had.” Katrina believes it was the family atmosphere that helpedmake the business not just a clinic but a home. She said, “We had both worked places in the past where the employer didn’t put family first and we knewwe didn’t want that.” When the Thanes opened the optometry clinic, their oldest daughter Victoria was just a year old. “It was really neat for the patients to watch her grow up. Then, when we had the twins, our patients were so kind,” Katrina said. Victoria Holt is now an elementary school teacher in Breckenridge with two sons of her own but savors memories of growing up in Stamford. “I remember sitting inmymom’s chair and drawing pictures when I was a kid. They let
36 tri county living me put the drawings on the door and those drawings were still there on their last day of business,” Victoria said. “My least favorite thing to do was cleaning all the frame boards but I loved being there with my family and talking with the patients and employees. It always felt like family.” After serving the community for 27 years, the Thanes sold their business in the summer of 2021. “Clarawas so special to us, and I wanted her to be our last patient, but she passed away,” Trussell said. “It was very sentimental for us that her husband Darrell was our last patient.” 2021 Stamford High School Salutatorian Sean Thane is now attending Oklahoma State University. He’s exploring his career options andhis love formusic. He sayshe is proudof his parent’s example. Sean said, “It was a business that my parents grew from the ground up and my dad always stressed the importance of doing something right the first time.” Luke Thane is a LibertyUniversity student, majoring ingovernment andpublicpolicy. Luke said, “My dad would work eight to five seeing patients and then gowork at the farm. Mymomwould work til seven at night sometimes. People may think you can set your hours when you have your own business, but you have to put time and energy to accomplish the priorities you set.”
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38 tri county living For Trussell and Katrina, the priorities for their business and relationship have always startedwith faith. “There was a sign in our office that said this business is dedicated to the Lord and I’mglad the newdoctorwanted to keep it.We had a lot of opportunities to pray with patients and encourage others,” Katrina said. Trussell knew the time to retire was right when he found someone that could continue to fill in the gap for not only optometry services but of service to the community. The optometrist that bought the practice is another Tri-County native, Dr. HaydenNauert. “We’veknownHayden all of his life. It’s a blessing to have someone carry on the legacy,” Trussell said. The couple is now retired and empty nesters for the first time in nearly 30 years. Trussell continues to work cattle every day and Katrina works at St. John’s Methodist church. Trussell said, “We really enjoyed every minute of our lives serving at the clinic, but we are looking forward towhat Godhas in store for us next.” †
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40 tri county living Hometown Wedded Bliss Join us in well wishes to these beautiful couples who have rec ntly become engaged or who have said “I do” this past year in Jones, Haskell, & Shackelford counties. To submit your wedding or engagement picture for consideration in future issues please email office@hometownmedia.group 1 3 2 4 5
41 hometown living at its best 1. Stran Smith & Braelyn Bevel | Kaley B. Photography 2. Upton Mathers & Nicole Pineda | Unforgettable Photography 3. Johnny (J.J.) Perez & Lexie Lambert | Unforgettable Photography 4. Sam Shirley & Ashley Adams | Kaley B. Photography 5. Thurman Sims & Hillary Heller | Erica B. Photography 6. Ryder Cude & Lacey Peiser | Kaley B. Photography 7. Sam Fouts &Maggie Pipkin | Kaley B. Photography 8. Cameron Kapke & Kaley Mathis | Lindy Hudman Photography 9. Bryce Goff & Shere Rodgers | Unforgettable Photography 7 8 6 9
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44 tri county living An excerpt from the book "Memories of a West Texas FARM BOY" {Ch 16: World War II}
45 hometown living at its best BY: J.D. WENDEBORN NATIVE TRI COUNTY MAN RECALLS HIS MEMORIES OF WORLD WAR II AS A CHILD GROWING UP IN THE 1940S. W When my brother, L.A., was called into active duty around Thanksgiving Day in 1940 I was just 5 years old. I remember that day when Company K, 142 Infantry Regiment of the 36th Division boarded the Army trucks and departed for Camp Bowie, located near Brownwood. My brother, L.A. on the right with his first cousin, Leroy Vanderworth to his left, Circa 1940
46 tri county living During his training in the infantry, L.A. would write home, and often send pictures of events at the Camp. Several times weekend passes would enable him to come home for a few hours. Stamfordhad a cadet training base at Arledge Field located a fewmiles east. There the Army Air Force utilized contracted instructors to train cadets to fly—they used the Stearman biplane having a single motor with two wings, painted yellow, a yellow tail, and a blue fuselage with two seats—one for the instructor and one for the trainee. They flew mostly over Arledge Field and adjacent farms. Upon our visits to town, sometimes we would see the cadets on pass as they visited cafes and movie theaters for a few hours of rest and relaxation. Also when we were in town togo to the picture show, often we would see a long convoy of Army trucks passing through, likely on their way to Camp Barkley at Abilene or perhaps to other bases in Texas. Every truck was loaded with soldiers; some would toss out little scraps of paper giving their names and addresses hoping Tri County girls would find them and write to them. One day whi le in town, Mama bought an Abilene paper and on the front page was a large map showing where the war fronts were in Europe before the USA had entered the conflict. I looked intently at the picture as Mama explained what the map meant, and I began to cry a little—a gentleman standing nearby sawme and he asked my Mama, “What is he crying about?” Mama said I was scared of the War even though it was thousands of miles away across the ocean. At my age then, somewhere around age 5, I had no concept of “thousands of miles away.” The newspaper showed the map where the fighting was going on—I supposed it could be close to where we were, and I feared separation fromMama and Papa. Thosewardays inWestTexasweretroubling times for everyone—there were loved ones called to fight all over the world—in the
Army, Navy, andMarines. Familieswere stressed; there was rationing of items like sugar, tires, gasoline, and meat as well as shoes and other essential items related to the war effort; some rationed items were especially hard to get, like rubber tires andgasoline. Special stamps were given to the people, and you could not purchase some items without those stamps—onceusedup, therewasnothing to do but do without for some things. There were scrap metal drives where people would donate all sorts of metal objects collected by the government to be processed intoweapons andmilitary hardware. On the farm, we were not so limited as town people, as mostly we had our own food items, except of course sugar and coffee. Stamford was a major cotton ginning town, having many cotton gins. In the fall and winter times, those gins operated 24 hours a day—the cotton hulls were deposited in large metal containers and burned- -the acrid smoke spread over the town during cotton harvest season. Most troubling to the people was the unknown. After Pearl Harbor and early 1942, the war was not going well for the US in the Pacific. Would the west coast of America be invaded by the Japanese? When would the Blitz of England by Germany cease—indeed could England survive. Meanwhile, more and more men and boys of draft age were being called up to enter the military; women and girls were called on to do those jobs left by those now in military service. Often, on the radio during the war, a commentator named Gabriel Heater would begin his news broadcast with this statement: “Oh there is bad news tonight!” The 36th Division based in Camp Bowie proceeded to train in Louisiana at Fort Polk and then to Camp Blanding in Florida. Later the Division embarked on the east coast and in early 1943 shipped out to North Africa to further train there. On September 9th, 1943, a 47 hometown living at its best
combined American and British force invaded Salerno, Italy—the 36th hit the beaches near Pastrum, Italy. The Germans were aware of their plans, even though Italy had surrendered a few days earlier. Fightingwas fierce and the 36th reportedly lost 100 men that first day—among them was my brother L.A. I remember being called out from school at which time my sisters, Ruby and Geneva, came for my brother J.C. and I. Both of the girls were crying and I learned the news of the death of my brother, L.A., had been received at our country home. Geneva drove us home in our black Dodge car—I sat in the back seat with Ruby while J. C. rode up front with Geneva. We went there and in a little while, our mail carrier, postman Henry Laughlin, came to our front porch and delivered the telegram containing the terribly bad news. My mother was devastated and fami ly friends from the area came to console all of us—my father was quiet and didn’t show his true feelings then but I know itmust have been dreadful for him, losing his oldest boy. Texas lost many fine soldiers during the fighting in Italy. I remember years later seeing a clipping saved from the Abilene Reporter-News featuring an article stating that the town of Caldwell, Texas had lost 13 men in battle in Italy. A family in Stamford lost two sons, Jim Jones—in the Army at the invasion of Normandy, and Joe—in the Navy when the submar ine upon whi ch he was stationed was lost only a day or two before all fighting in the Pacific ended. Our neighbor, Lee Cornelius’s wife, Molly, lost her brother, Wade Forgran in the Army in the invasion of Lyete near the Philippines. The invasion of Salerno, Italy by the 36th Texas Division was a near disaster, mainly due to poor leadership by General Mark Clark. After WW II ended the Texas Legislature passed a resolution calling for an investigation into Clark’s conduct during the invasion and afterward, especially of the Rapido River Crossing resulting in many 36th Division casualties. Nothing became of the investigation but Clark never again was put in charge of any military actions. 48 tri county living
During the war, the newspapers printed the latest actions of thewar around the globe, including articles stating the loss of men and boys in the services fromaround the area and sometimes the State of Texas too. The loss of a loved one was devastating to the family, but the local and area communities lost many a fine serviceman. The true sacrifice of these men’s lives in defense of their country was their ultimate contribution to saving our way of life and the freedoms we knew, but often took for granted. Even though we lived in west Texas, still the presence of the army convoys of trucks, the blue and yellow biplanes flying near Stamford, and of course my brother, L.A’.s, service in the army, madeWWII much closer to home. With the end of WWII, farm life in west Texas changed. Although many of the men tried to return to farming for a while, things just did not work out. Prices had gone up, and small farms could not support more than one family. So the returning soldiers, who could not afford the high-priced farm implements such as modern tractors and harvesting machines, sought employment in the towns. Some had to relocate where jobs were to be found. Others tried to farm on the side while holding a job in town. But the family farm I knew in the 1930s and 40s was gone forever—gone from the aftermath of war clouds and changing times and changing desires too. Then too, the farm-to-market highways designed to enable farmers to get their harvests to the buyers found that now they could bypass the small towns and travel equally well to a larger city. The small-town merchants felt the loss in trade and the small towns grew smaller—victims of progress. Just as in the novel, Gone with the Wind, wherein the Civil War ended the plantation south so didWWII end our small, family farm in Haskell County, Texas. † Shown here in an early grade school picture, J.D. Wendeborn was born in 1935 to his parents, John and Tillie Wendeborn. The Wendeborns were farmers and J.D., along with 4 siblings, experienced farm life during the 1930s and 40s. Living on a 200-acre dry-land farm in the Rolling Plains of west Texas taught him to appreciate hard work and responsibility, not only in farming but also in education. He thoroughly enjoyed farm life, and if possible, he would choose to again enjoy those days growing up in Haskell County, Texas. In this book, J.D. recalls those memories for anyone interested in knowing more about farm life back then inWest Texas. 49 hometown living at its best
50 tri county living FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES Provided by CASI DAVIS Hawley HOMETOWN Happenings Hawley Kason O’Shields - Football Will Scott - Football Rodey Hooper - Football Ava Davis - Cheer Emma Roberts - Softball Abbi Siller - Golf Austin Cumpton - Football Teaghan Knight - Basketball Hez Parker - Baseball CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATHLETES RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR EFFORTS!
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PARTY Photos by UNFORGETTABLE PHOTOGRAPHY In the Park Anson HOMETOWN Happenings
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ACTIVITIES 4-H Shackelford County Photos provided by KELSEY BELL, SHACKELFORD COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT
Photos by THE HELLER FAMILY TEACHING is a Work of Heart Educators are a first line of defense in all communities. Teachers know our children well; what they love, fear, struggle with, and aspire to be. Teachers have the capacity to influence. Tri County Living honors those who pour into our future decision-makers, which is no light task! “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” -Unknown 56 tri county living
Belinda Heller was recommended for recognition as an EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATOR by many in her community after 40 years of service at Anson I.S.D. Belinda is married to Don Heller and together they have two married children. When she is not in the classroom, she may be found working in the yard or enjoying her extended family and spending time at the lake—boating and fishing. The Hellers also actively serve in their church. Enjoy a Q&A session Belinda had with our staff covering some of the joys she has had these past 40 years in education and concerns she—and no doubt many others—face in this profession. What is your favorite aspect of being a teacher? Ohmy! There are somany things I love about teaching. First of all, achallenge I love iswhen a student tells me they do not like to read! I work hard at finding a book that will hook them. It givesme a sense of accomplishment when I see a child find a book or an author they like and they can’t wait to read another book. I also enjoy having a classroomwhere my students can feel safe and know that someone cares about them. What is the most rewarding part of the job? I certainlydon’t do this for a “Thankyou,” butnothing feels better than a student thankingme formy help. I love talking to a parent in the store and they can’t wait to tellme their child is graduating fromnursing school, or their child decided to go to a technical school to study HVAC, welding, ormechanics. I love hearing their success stories. I evenhavehad former students come give presentations at our career days…graphic designers, occupational therapists, registerednurses, dieselmechanics, and the list goes on. Maybe they didn’t attend college or a technical school, but I see them being great parents living in our community and being good citizens and that makes my heart happy. What is the most challenging aspect of teaching? It is reallyhardnot toworry about difficult situations that you knowyour students are having to deal with outside of school. Many times, there isn’t anything we as teachers can do about it, but we can be a positive, caring person in their lives while they are at school and provide a safe environment. 57 hometown living at its best
What types of changes have you witnessed in your career? Of course, this comes as no surprise to anyone: The emphasis put on testing and the stress that comes with it has really changed education. Teachers are trulyunder a tremendous amount of pressure. Thisworriesme because I hope and pray that we are not overlooking what really matters and that is touching and making a difference in the lives of the students that we teach. I have also noticed a tremendous difference in the amount of students that come from very difficult and sad situations. We truly try to fill that gap and meet the needs of these students, but it isn’t always easy to do this. Technology has definitely been a huge change! I began teaching when a teacher didn’t even have a stand-alone computer or maybe they weren’t even invented, yet! Haha! Nowstudents have individual Chromebooks, teachers have laptops and smart boards, and the list of the devices is endless. 40years ago, whowouldhave thought that students would be completing assignments on a Google doc and submitting it to their teacher? Or that we can google lessons to teach or an answer to a question? I find it very concerning that in the last several years the number of college students choosing education as their career choice has declined drastically. Because so many teachers are making the choice to leave teaching and seek other career opportunities, schoolsarefinding it increasinglydifficult tohire teachers because of the lack of qualified people applying for the job openings. I pray that somehow the people that make the decisions on state testing, salaries, andother benefitswill findaway tohelp inspire people to want to be an educator. 58 tri county living
How are those changes, positively or negatively, impacting teachers, children or education? I do worry that we, Texas teachers, are teaching kids how to take tests, but are we still teaching some of the basic skills such as teaching the states and capitals, where the continents are located, themultiplication tables…Yes, teachers should be held accountable for the curriculum, but let’s not throw the baby out with the bath. How has teaching impacted you personally? Teaching has been my life for 40 years. I have made so many good memories and made teaching friends that I will have for a lifetime. I pray that I have touched a few lives in a positive way throughout this time. It hasn’t always been easy, but I have never regretted the decision that I made to become a teacher. What is something you wish every parent knew? I wish every parent knew the value of reading to their children. Just reading aloud to your child a fewminutes every day can make a huge difference in their lives. First of all, you are spending time with your child, it builds a love for thewrittenword, increases their vocabulary, helps them learn to have empathy and learn about the world around them, and it helps to show them that reading can be enjoyable. I also want parents to know that I have loved teaching their children. It has brought me a tremendous amount of joy and it has taught me so much about living and loving each other. Words of wisdom or advice for teachers: I know some very good young teachers personally. I want them to know that there are a lot of tough expectations on them right now, but don’t forget “your why.” Don’t forget what made you want to be a teacher, don’t forget that smile youput onyour student’s face, don’t forget how it feels to get a big hug, and don't forget what it feels like when a student has an “Ah-ha” moment. Hold those things close in your heart andon thosedays that are tough just thinkabout all of the things that are good about what you are doing. Mrs. Heller’s Stats: After graduating from Texas A&M in 1982 (B.S. Curriculum & Instruction), Belinda went on to complete herMaster of Education degreewith a specialization in reading in 1985 from HardinSimmons. In the fall of 1983, she began teaching 5th grade at Anson I.S.D. (for 23 years). In 2006, shemoved tp toAnsonMiddle School and 7th grade English Language Arts. In 2017 she returned to HardinSimmons to become a dyslexia specialist and has been teaching the dyslexia programand the reading intervention classes in Anson Middle School since that time. May her dedication to her students inspire us all, nomatter our profession, to support not only our youth, but those impacting themday in and day out. Thank you to the many outstanding educators inTriCounty that care forour children! 59 hometown living at its best
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Members enjoy being a part of a group that positively influences the youth in our community through sponsorship of local youth sports, scholarships for continued education, building future leadership within the youth by sending them to leadership programs like the Hoby Conference and highly encouraging elementary and middle school students to bring up grades and attendance by acknowledging their hard work and dedication in their studies. If you’re interested in joining, they meet every Wednesday at the local R&R restaurant, downtown Stamford at 7 a.m. Courtesy of CODYANDCARYMCCLINTOCK Kiwanis STAMFORD HOMETOWN Helpers
Founded in 1926, theAnsonLions Club continues to serve the citizens of Anson and surrounding area. The club is 25 members strong and is a member of Lions International. Wesupport theinternationalmissionofsightconservation throughout the world by financial contribution, plus we provide eye exams and glasses to local citizens. We also send a child with disabilities to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas, as well as provide funding for local educational scholarships and youth activities. Our fundraising efforts include a community-wide pancake supper, a flag display service, and sponsorship of a holiday basketball tournament for high school teams. Lionism is a wonderful way to serve your community while enjoying fun fellowship and good food. Service organizations are essential to a healthy community. Join us for lunch on the first and third Wednesday at the Anson Golf Course Clubhouse. We look forward to serving others with you. Sincerely, Brooks Hagler President – Anson Lions Club P.O. Box 68 Anson,Texas 79501 PANCAKES ANYONE? Jay Baccus cooking, supervised by Michael Garcia with the Honorable Dale Spurgin in the background. ANSON LIONS CLUB Keith Jones and Mel Deatherage place a flag at the Anson Library. Lion Amy McIntire welcomes a group of beautiful young pancake lovers to supper! HOMETOWN Helpers
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The Rotary Club is an excellent organization for those who desire to be part of a group who are service-minded and want to have an impact on their community, and the world. President Sammy Ferguson said they love being able to work with members to support community projects, and also global projects. Some of their initiatives include: • Scholarships to High School students • Long Sleeve Relays • Hamlin Boys Club • Rock Field Classic • Project Graduation • Support of local food bank • Support of Wheelchair Foundation, to donate a wheelchair, mostly to third-world countries • Partner with Rotary International to eradicate polio worldwide • Donate used textbooks to third world countries For more information on involvement or membership, attend Hamlin’s Rotary Club meeting, every Wednesday at noon, at James Rodgers & Company, enter through the back door; or contact any Rotary member. HAMLIN ROTARY CLUB L to R: Isaac Castro, Sammy Ferguson, Diana Ferguson, Justin Stone, Kenneth Williams, Rebecca Jones, Rick Rodgers, Beverly Guerra, Nancy Pipkin. Members not pictured: Rita Warner, Cody Terry, Alicia Smith, Tim Bob Smith, Sandra McCoy and Theresa Gonzalez HOMETOWN Helpers
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66 tri county living Written by SABRINA FORSE | Photos shared by BRITTANI LEFEVRE (ALBANY), Photos taken by CASI DAVIS (HAWLEY) HAWLEY AND ALBANY FOOTBALL TEAMS BOTH CAME HOME WITH A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR. THESE PLAYERS NOT ONLY COMPETED AGAINST EACH OTHER AT TIMES, BUT ALSO ENCOURAGED EACH OTHER ON THEIR WAY TO THE TOP. FROM RIVALS TO FRIENDS
67 hometown living at its best T The glowof stadiumlights punctuatesmiles of darknesswhen it’s Fridaynight in the Big Country. Fans file into the bleachers for a seat only to stand as they cheer for their home teams. Marching bands compose beats synonymouswith victory as cheerleaders rally on the sidelines. As fans drive the 40miles betweenHawley and Albany, they pick a side. In district basketball, volleyball, and other UIL events, the Bearcats and Lions are rivals. On September 16, 2022, theywere opponents vying for a pre-district win. “We ended the 2021 season by getting beat in the playoffs and on the bus home, the players were already talking about how to prepare for a successful season the next year. I think that really propelled us into the 2022 season,” Albany Football Coach Denney Faith said. “We knew the matchup with Hawley would be an outstanding football game. We were shorthanded and it didn’t go the way we wanted it to but watching the way the players competed felt special and I knew we had something unique at that moment.” JUST EIGHT WEEKS LATER, THE FRIENDLY RIVALS WOULD BECOME ONE ANOTHER’S BIGGEST FANS AS THEY BROUGHT TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES BACK TO THE BIG COUNTRY.
68 tri county living HAWLEY: 2022 2A DIVISION I TEXAS STATE CHAMPS For Mitch Ables, the goal to win state startedwhenhewas hired asHawley ISDHead Football Coach in 2014. “I blewup a picture of AT&TStadiumwhere the state championship is played. I put it on the wall in the locker room so the kids can see it every day and knowwhat they’reworking for. Knowing that we achieved that goal is amazing,” Ables said. By the time Will Scott put on a football jersey for Hawley High school, that AT&T stadium picture was starting to wrinkle and fade. “That picture has been up there for as long as I can remember but Coach Ables has been investing in us for just as long. When wewere in fifth and sixth grade, CoachAbles would come to our practices. He wasn’t our coach then, but he was always there to support us,” Scott said.
69 hometown living at its best Most Hawley High School football players have been teammates as long as they have been friends. “We used to play Pop Warner football as kids,” Scott said. “You would win a couple of rounds of playoffs and thengo to the championship game. We called it the Superbowl. We won the Superbowl a couple of years in a row and we started thinking that maybe we could be the first team from Hawley to go to state. Austin Cumpton, Kason O’Shields, and I were three of the freshmen on varsity and it was the first time Hawley made it past the second round of playoffs.” In 2021, Hawley earned its first appearance in a state championship title game. “Some never get the chance to play in that building. You get chills when you walk into AT&T stadium. We’re from Hawley, America, but being there almost makes you feel like you’re in the NFL,” said Coach Ables. Hawley lost its only game of the 2021 season at the state championship falling to Shiner but back home the team received a champion welcome. “People in Hawley love everything Hawley and are always willing to help. Even if you go to Abilene wearing aHawley shirt, people want to talk about football,” Scott said. Fans support definitely outnumbers the small population of Hawley. “Every week our support would get a little bit bigger. When you leave Hawley and see cranes with flags hanging on them, it’s a pretty cool feeling knowing your community and other schools support you as well,” Ables said. In 2022, the Bearcats would go undefeated earning the coveted trip back to AT&T stadium. Big Country schools rallied showing their support. “We’re competitive but we also have a lot of friends on those teams. We’ve played them in baseball and basketball. People from Albany, Hamlin, Jim Ned, and Anson all came out to show their support,” Scott said.
70 tri county living Albany: 2022 2A Division II Texas State Champs Albany High School won state football championships in 1960 and 1961. They’ve played in eight state title games. In his 36 years of coaching the Albany Lions, Faith has amassed more than 300 wins and five of those state title games. “Football is a tradition in Albany,” he said. “Kids grow up watching their brothers, cousins, and uncles play football. Players look forward to putting on that jersey that says Albany Lions. It’s not just a football town, it’s a kid town. TheAlbany community supports our athletes and students nomatter what they are doing.” In 2022, the Albany community would rally its Lions to the state championship game in Arlington. As the Lions roared to a 41-21 victory over Mart to claim the Class 2A Division II title, Hawley fans were cheering from the stands. “I think some of the best football in the state is played in the Big Country at all levels. It’s a great
71 hometown living at its best rivalry between Hawley in basketball, baseball, and track. It’s always an intense battlewhen our athletes compete but there is mutual respect,” said Faith. ON THE NIGHT ALBANY PLAYED FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, HAWLEY PLAYERS MADE SIGNS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT AND CHEERED THEM ON FROM THE STANDS. THE NEXT MORNING, THE ALBANY LIONS WOULD DO THE SAME. “Wewere getting ready to play andwe heard people cheering. The Albany football team and coaches were walking into the stadium to watch our game and show their support. Our fans started clapping for them and gave them a standing ovation,” said Ables. Hawley High School Principal Nikki Grishamwatched from the sidelines as the Bearcats defeated Refugio 5421 to become the District 2A Division I State Champs. He said, “It’s been a huge awareness for the district but a lot of times people will come back to not just football but how the students behave themselves. I WAS PROUD TO SEE THE TEAM PULLING UP THE OTHER PLAYERS OFF THE GROUND WITH A HANDSHAKE OR A PAT ON THE BACK. Then just to see somany of our communities coming together with camaraderie for one another was phenomenal.” As parents and students around the Tri County areawill attest—having two area teams as state champs this year is something special indeed, but the icing on the cake is having those same young men facetiming each other on the bus in between playoff games and showing up to cheer for one another when it counts. We all know football is just a game, but it is the life lessons you learn on the field that when applied off the field shapes the kind of man you will be. For the players on the Albany and Hawley teams, you have made Tri County proud, not just because of the scoreboard, but because of how you have encouraged and treated one another. Keep up the good work. † posted by Jessica Stapp
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Wel l -known Dyess Air Force Base, established in 1942, was named after a small-town boy from Albany, Lieutenant Colonel William Edwin Dyess!Hewasborn inAlbanyonAugust 9, 1916. He graduated from Albany High and graduated in 1936 from John Tarleton Agricultural College (JTAC) in Stephenville. His noteworthy life could fill many books and has, but he is known as an accomplished pilot who was unfortunately shot down during WWII and taken prisoner in the South Pacific. However, brave and cunning he managed to escape and made his way back to the US to garner aide. He reported the horrible conditions the American POWs were enduring from their Japanese captors, only to be told to keepquiet for a time.With thevictory in Europe almost within the Allied grasp, leaders did not want a different issue fromtheSouthPacific to takeaway from everyone’s concentration on clinching this victory. After staying in an army general hospital in Virginia to regain his health, Dyess was promoted to lieutenant colonel and resumed flying onDecember 22, 1943. Hewas killed that day in Burbank, California, attempting an emergency landing. When his engine failed Dyess crashed in order to save the lives of civilians. He was buried inAlbany. Dyess, a Presbyterian, was survived by his wife, Marajen (Stevick), and his parents. During his life, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Silver Star. Soon after his death he was nominated for the Medal of Honor and was posthumously awarded the Soldier's Medal. Abilene Air Force Base was renamed Dyess Air Force Base in his honor in December 1956. EDWIN DYESS of Shackelford County HOMETOWN History 74 tri county living by Rebecca Rister
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