August 29, 2008

Costs affect bond work

SANDERSON – Work is scheduled to begin by the end of September or early October on the high school addition to the junior high school building here but cost escalation will eat into what can be done with the $14 million school bond issue approved last year. The Terrell County School Board Tuesday awarded a contract to Mid-Tex of Midland, Inc., the “construction manager at risk” for the program, for about $4.8 million for the school addition and a vocational building. The proposal lists several sub contractors but Mid-Tex will be responsible for overall coordination of the activities. Business Manager Blain Chriesman noted the bid was about $1 million over the estimate for the work provided by architect Monte Hunter of Hunter Corral Associates of Odessa. The bid approved by the board was for $5.8 million for the school addition and vocational building but board members deleted about $1 million for mechanical, including heating and air conditioning, fire alarm and control systems and testing and balancing. Board President Ada Lee Robbins suggested the board could get a better price for that work and asked Hunter and Mid-Tex to negotiate for a better deal. The board also deferred action on the new field house, noting bids at $1.7 million came to some $315 per square foot. Hunter said the project could be reworked to allow for the “crazy prices” for work. He said construction costs have risen by more than double in the last five years. Mid-Tex President Alan White told the board the changes to the field house project and negotiating the mechanical portions would not delay the completion of the projects beyond the scheduled completion of December, 2009. In fact, White told the board the work should be done before the next school year. Robbins said she wanted to wait on the field house to see what will happen on other projects including elementary school and gymnasium improvements. Hunter said school board is not unique. Schools all over the state are struggling with the same cost increases. He said many school bond programs use interest earned on invested bond funds to buy furniture and the like. He said those funds might have to be used, instead, on completing the projects in the original bond package. Superintendent Gary Hamilton said he wanted new furniture in the new classrooms if at all possible. Students will “take pride” in a brand new classroom but that pride could “start going downhill” if they are furnished with old desks and chairs, he said. The field house could be reduced in scope without deterring from its purpose, both Hunter and White agreed. Robbins noted it included a “wide hallway” that might be deleted and rest rooms could be scaled down without detracting from their original purpose. Cartel wars seen in film By KIM RAPP News Leader Production Manager SANDERSON – The Terrell County Sheriffs Department showed a documentary last week entitled “Drug Wars: The Columbianization of Mexico.” It is a documentary by Rusty Flemming, who is a recovering drug addict now working as a counselor for addicts. It showed details of the drug cartels along the US-Mexico border and on into US border cities. Sheriff Clint McDonald and Chief Deputy Kenneth Turner both claimed the film is “very real.” The film was shown at a national law enforcement conference and again at a Texas conference before being viewed at the Sanderson Community Building. Corruption seeps into the military and law enforcement on both sides of the border, easily corrupting police and military personnel alike, the film notes. “It is easy to pass on [a bribe of] $50, but much harder to say no to $500,000,” Flemming says in the film. The Zetas, a drug cartel, have infiltrated the street gangs in the US and have even used “Myspace” and “Utube” websites aimed at youth to find young prey. Since 2005, there have been more than 6,000 murders related to the Zetas, the film says. The cartels are alleged to use tortures including dropping people in acid, feeding people to lions and lighting them on fire. The thugs are known as “narcoterrorists” but also dabble in human smuggling. There are roads and tunnels under the border that are used by the cartel to send minors across with 500 pounds of marijuana, cocaine or other contraband in a backpack. The ruse provides an outlet for both human and drug smuggling in a single stroke. In Laredo, there is an organization called “Laredo’s Missing,” listing more than 40 families that have been affected by a family member being kidnapped and taken into Mexico for torture and death at random. They are believed to be the actions of the cartel. Statistics say that Mexico ranks second in reporters being killed, just behind Iraq. Elementary children in Dallas are getting high on “cheese” for $2, black tar heroine in powder form, provided by the cartels. “Our government denies there is a problem,” the film says. “You decide.” McDonald said he would like to show this film again at a later date. Back Woolsey heads Boosters SANDERSON – Kristine Woosley was elected president of the Sanderson Band Boosters last week and a set of by-laws was reviewed for adoption later. Kim Rapp is the new vice president, secretary will be Kathy Lawson and treasurer is Tammy Truesdell. Woolsey is the wife of new Border Patrol Agent Roy Woolsey. She has four children and has served on a school board in Elfrida, AZ. Ronnie Fuéntez will serve as communication chair and Laura Galvan will chair the ways and means committee in charge of inventory. The group looked at several examples of by-laws from other school districts and Truesdell will put together a packet to be reviewed at the next meeting on September 2. The group has decided against filling for a 501(C)(3) tax-exemption from the US Internal Revenue Service. The boosters will meet on the first Monday of the month, except when it falls on a holiday, when it will be the following Tuesday. Membership dues will be $5 per adult. Everyone is welcome at the meetings but only members can vote. The boosters will continue giving the annual scholarship, with the amount determined by funds available and number of applicants. Back Heritage tourism promoted SANDERSON – “Heritage tourism” is a $40 billion industry and one of the fastest growing segments of the tourist market, Sanderson Chamber of Commerce members heard Tuesday. Two officials of the Texas Pecos Trail made a power- point presentation to the chamber at its regular monthly meeting. Regional Coordinator Paula Walker of Sonora said heritage tourism, in which visitors come to cultural and historical sites, has created 500,000 new jobs in Texas and Texas is the number one heritage tourism destination in the country. Walker said people visiting cultural and historic sites spend $114 per day on meals and lodging, directly contributing to local economies. A new 24-page Texas Trails brochure will be ready in early 2009 and the trail’s website is updated “almost daily,” Walker said. The website is at www.texaspecostrail.com. The Chamber is preparing a “walking and driving tour” of points of interest in and around Sanderson and Walker said that could be added to Trail materials. Trail President Betty Cash of Iraan said the Pecos Trail, a part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Heritage Trails Program, offers “free” resources to help small communities promote tourism in their towns. The next “free” event – except for a $10 charge for lunch – is the board meeting and networking luncheon, beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Sand Hills State Park in Monahans. She said Resource and Conservation Development and the US Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Community Affairs offer “free” programs for regional economic development. Cash also suggested the chamber get as many “oral histories” as possibly, recording thoughts of pioneers for posterity while they are still alive. But she urged transcribing recorded conversations because media change and people in the future might not be able to access tape recordings or even CDs in some future date. Walker agreed to distribute Sanderson brochures at the Texas State Fair next month and other meetings. Back ‘Balloon Bash’ this weekend ALPINE – The 13th Annual Big Bend Balloon Bash is scheduled this weekend here with balloons expected from Texas and New Mexico filling the skies. For the second year, this year’s event will be at Sierra La Rana, a gated community just two miles south here State Highway 118, just before the top of the rise leading towards Terlingua. The development is opening its community to the public, pilots, crews and sponsors for the 2008 Big Bend Balloon Bash.  Since 1987, the Big Bend Balloon Bash has provided a venue for sport hot air balloon pilots, sponsors, vendors and families. There were a few years it was not held but it resumed more than ten years ago. At press time, there were 18 balloons registered from as far as Houston, Albuquerque, Lubbock, Midland and Roswell. Spokesman Kenneth Clouse said this is not competition event flying event. “Competitive events are not much fun for the public to watch,” he said. “These are all flying events.” Gates to the property will open at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and balloons should be in the air by 8 a.m. Clouse said they will be visible from around the basin and many have landed at school football fields. “There is no admission charge and there will be the Fire Concert Sunday Night [Aug. 31] at Buck Stadium,” he said. Alpine High School Band Director Chuck Wilson will supply the music. Back New highway funding mulled AUSTIN – Transferring the some $600 million per year in gasoline taxes from the Texas Department of Public Safety to new road construction was one suggestion reached last week for long-term financing of highway construction. A committee of the elected leadership of the state also suggested some new funding mechanisms that could use private capital to ease the burden of bonded debt. Allison Castle, a spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry, told the News Leader instruments like retirement funds could be an addition to more government bonds. Perry outlined the concepts in a letter to Texas Transportation Chairman Deidre Delisi. Also on the letterhead were Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick. Instead of gasoline taxes, it was suggested that the DPS be funded from the General Fund. “All of this will have to be approved by legislature,” Castle said. “The letter signals the solidarity among the leadership about long-term transportation funding solutions.” She said Perry has been “a long-time advocate for transparency in the budget and that the gas tax should go for transportation.” Castle said “ending that diversion” would be up to the Legislature and it “may have to be phased in over two legislative sessions.” Among the funding mechanisms would be the creation of a “transportation finance corporation” that would use “domestic capital” from sources such as retirement systems to invest in infrastructure such as new roads. “The TRS [Teacher Retirement System] is investing in Las Vegas Casinos,” she said. “They see it as a good investment for their money.” Castle suggested an agency such as the North Texas Transportation Authority might want to finance, say, $100 million with bonds. The rest could be placed with a finance corporation. The TTA builds and operates toll roads in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Private investment would be attracted to the corporation that, in turn, could pay for new roads. Another recommendation was legislation authorizing appropriation of the bonds approved in a November, 2007, Constitutional election. Voters approved by nearly 63 percent the issuance of “not to exceed” $5 billion for highway improvement pro-jects. “We are looking at how we can we access more domestic capital and free up what TxDOT is now spending,” Castle said. “In February, TxDOT announced it didn’t have any more money. “There was a call to issue more debt – more bonds – and the governor said no,” she said. “We are not just going to issue more debt. We need a long- term solution.” Castle said the agreement was the result of “many months of collaboration among leadership and Chairman Delisi as well. Hopefully, this isn’t the end of it.” Back

White said the field house could be completed in “five to six months, six at the most.” A new field house is planned to the east of the field, to be in addition to the present field house at the west end. The new classrooms will house high school students at the south end of the present junior high school building. The existing high school building, completed in 1931, will be retained as office space and for future expansion should it be needed if enrollment increases July 4 will be July 4 SANDERSON – July 4 next year will be observed on Saturday, July 4. The Chamber of Commerce made the decision for a one-day observance at its regular meeting Tuesday. And the chamber might want to consider a “name” band or other entertainment to give the event broader appeal. There was confusion this year over who had overall responsibility and Terrell County Commissioners Court voted this month to give overall coordination responsibility to the chamber for 2009. Commissioners may plan a major celebration for 2010 as the fifth year after the highly successful Centennial in 2005. Next year’s celebration could include some activities like school reunions and the like on Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5, is the centennial for the First Presbyterian Church. “This is fine and we may very well have a three-day holiday,“ Chamber President Jim Street said. “We have agreed to take overall responsibility be for one day only but that does not preclude anyone else from doing whatever else they want to do. “And we are just the coordinator for the Fourth,” he said. “It has traditionally been a community-wide event with participation from all or most community organizations. We are just the coordinator to make sure everyone is on the same page.” New member Eric Cooksey, the new Sanderson school band director, told the chamber the July 4 observance is “ripe” to attract more than just a local audience. Cooksey is a sideman for the local band Dewey and the Terrell County Bs and he said they are “flattered and enjoy” playing for the hometown audience. He suggested an upcoming professional band be hired along with a professional disc jockey to play during intermissions to provide a wider mix of music. “No group is going to be able to please the wide strata of music interests,” he said. “But there has got to be a way to get around the ‘us versus them’ we have had.” Cooksey decried the competing dances that have been scheduled in years past against the July 4 street dance. “We are right on the brink of having a real festival on the Fourth of July,” he said. Cooksey agreed to try to find an appropriate entertainment schedule. Ruth Engeldorf agreed to help. He said it is important to get someone lined up early because they may agreed to a lower price several months out than they would at the last minute. In other action, the chamber agreed to the form for a contract for advertising in the Visitor Guide, scheduled to be released annually starting early next year. Dana Davis, who is coordinating production, said ads are due by November 1. Full-page ads are $100 with color for $25 extra. Half page ads are $50, quarter page are $30 and business card ads are $25. Back Lady’s party ‘celebrates life’ By LYN ROSAS News Leader Business Manager SANDERSON – Some 39 women gathered at Cantina El Gavilan last week to visit with, laugh and enjoy a drink with Norma Guadarrama in what was called a “Celebrating Life” party. Norma has been fighting breast cancer well over a year now and just recently received news that it has spread to other areas in her body. Shellie Martin and I arranged the party in hopes of boosting her spirits as she faced a serious sinus operation. Each lady wore pink in some form or fashion, be it a shirt, bandana, bracelet, ring or shoes. A pink ribbon symbolizes breast cancer awareness and all showed up in support of her. Katie Roberts, along with Norma’s family and friends, will assemble a benefit dinner and auction about two weeks after Norma’s surgery. Details on that event will be released later. Jimmy Davis made a money tree for the “Celebration” and by night’s end it held $709. Sandra Davis and Debbie Pruitt made a gorgeous corsage for the honoree. There was a bouquet of red carnations with pink ribbons tied to each and Norma got to hand out individual flowers to women present. The finger food was assembled on a buffet table that included chips, an assortment of dips and a gorgeous pink ribbon cake made by Susan Brotherton. “I didn’t expect such a turnout but I am very happy and surprised to see such support,” Norma told the News Leader. “It’s always great to have good friends and all that showed up are just that. “I would like to sincerely thank each of the ladies who showed up,” she said. Back County gets new deputy SANDERSON – The Terrell County Sheriff’s Office is back to full strength with the swearing in this week of Paul Tidwell as the newest deputy. Tidwell, a native of May near Brownwood, is a former police officer at Winters. He is single but he said he does not mind the lack of a social calendar in Sanderson. “I like to read all the time,” he said. He replaces Patrick Freeman who resigned earlier and is now running for sheriff. Back Changes eyed in school timetable SANDERSON – There has been a slight change in the school schedule this year for Terrell County ISD and some parents are not happy with it. Some complained that the elementary school lunchtime at 10:50 a.m. made the time too long for very young children to go until class is dismissed at 3:50 p.m. Superintendent Gary Hamilton said class time was extended from 45 to 50 minutes long “in an effort to raise test scores.” According to the “block schedule” adopted last year, the elementary school will release at 3:50 on Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at 3:01 on Thursdays and Fridays. The junior high and high schools release at 3:54 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 3 p.m. on Fridays. The block schedule was adopted to accommodate for travel time for junior high and high school extra curricular activities. “Being as small as we are, we need to coincide with each other,” said Hamilton. He said that includes sharing the cafeteria and staff and the transportation system. Little guys in pre-K are eating lunch as early as 10:50 a.m., that is so the staff can load everything back up in the van and get back over to the high school in time to feed the older students. “There may be some kinks to work out,” Hamilton said. ”We’ll have to see how it goes.” One parent, Page Mitchell, said she understands the problem but was upset with the fact the school failed this to communicate with the parents. Back Busch, Perkins receive degrees ALPINE – Fernanda Sotelo Busch and Billy Perkins of Sanderson were among 110 students, 74 from the Alpine campus and 36 from Rio Grande College, to received degrees during summer commencement exercises at Sul Ross State University Saturday. Busch received a BA in Mexican American Studies and Perkins took home an ME in School Administration. Busch is the daughter of Dale and Amanda Busch of Sanderson. Perkins is the son of Johnny and Zoe Perkins, now of Ozona. Back Legion offers ‘free’ senior dinner SANDERSON – The American Legion here will offer a free dinner to seniors once every other month at the Legion Hall, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 17. Legion Adjutant Mike Beck said the Legion “wants to give back to the community.” Anyone 55 year old or older will be fed free from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every other third Wednesday “for now.” If successful, it may be expanded later. On the menu for the first Seniors Night will be spaghetti, salad, bread, cookies and iced tea, Beck said. Back Business seminar next week ALPINE – The Big Bend Region Minority and Small Business Development Center will offer a free two-hour seminar, “The Home Business: Getting Started,” next week. The seminar begins at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, in Room 107 of the Centennial School Building at 500 W. Ave H here. The seminar is designed for individuals that are interested in starting a business out of their home or someone who has just recently started a home-based business. It is highly recommended for individuals who have an idea, a product or a service that may not require a commercial location to be successful. Pre-registration is not necessary but is appreciated. Call 432-837-8813 or email dmiller@sulross.edu to register. Back SR fall enrollment up ALPINE – Fall enrollment at Sul Ross State University showed a 2.8 percent increase over the 2007 final headcount. A total of 1,859 students were registered on the last day of late registration, 50 more than last year’s final total. Semester credit hours totaled 20,369, three percent more than the 2007 final figures. Freshman enrollment was up 10.5 percent, to 549 students, compared to 497 last year. Graduate enrollment was up 10.8 percent from 571 in 2007 to 633 this year. The headcount includes 221 sophomores, 199 juniors and 257 seniors. “The increase in new freshmen is especially gratifying and will help compensate for the large number of graduates last year,” said Gregory Schwab, associate vice president of Enrollment Management. Back Fall Garden Seminar set SANDERSON – The Terrell County Extension Office will host a fall garden seminar, from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Community Building. Texas AgriLife Extension horticulturalist Debbie Benge will discuss proper plant selection for fall gardens. She will also cover proper lawn care for the fall and winter seasons. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Terrell County Extension Office at 432/345-2291. Back

In other action Tuesday, board members put the final touches on the budget for the new school year. Final action on the $10.5 million budget and tax rate was expected at a meeting scheduled for last night, Aug. 28. Back Season opener tonight SANDERSON – If there were any doubt the 2008-09 school year was under way, that question will be answered at 7:30 p.m. today when the Sanderson Eagles take to the home field to host the Grady Wildcats for the first football game of the season. The Wildcats have always been tough for the orange and black of Sanderson but that’s part of the design. Head Coach and Athletic Director Mark Dominguez said he likes to schedule tough games for the early part of the season so the hometown boys will be hardened for the district games, which come later in the season. Buck Cargal’s website, Bu-ckinFootball.com ranks the Eagles third among the 31 teams in Region I, Division II. The ranking has Sanderson first in District 8, which also includes Balmorhea, Dell City, Sierra Blanca and Marathon. The site notes Sanderson, which finished last year at 6-6 overall, has 11 players re-turning this year. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ranked the defend-ing district champions sixth in Division II. It said the Eagles will be a team “to watch” in the up-coming season with “plenty of talent” coming back from last year. Dominguez said he was “pleased” with the way the Eagles finished the scrimmage last Friday in Imperial against Balmorhea and Buena Vista but he was “a little upset with the way we started out.” The teams ran 15 offensive plays each and switched sides. “It was 15 and 15 with B.V. and 15 and 15 with Balmo-rhea,” he said. “But it was much better in the final live quarter.” After trading 15 plays each with the two schools, the teams ended with a “live quarter” between the Eagles the Longhorns “without any spe-cial teams,” he said. Each team would keep the ball until going over on downs. If a punt were indicated, the ball would be placed where a punt might have landed and the other team would take over. “There, we showed a pretty good shot,” Dominguez said. “We put it all together and that’s what we have to do, be consistent.” The Eagles scored four times during the “live” quarter while holding the Longhorns to two first downs. It’s all for real tonight, though district games will not start until Homecoming, when the Eagles host Sierra Blanca at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. “Fifth Quarter,” where fans and players socialize after the game, will be at the Sanderson Church of Christ tonight. All games will be at 7:30 p.m. and, except for the Fort Davis game here on Thursday, Sept. 11, all will be on a Friday. Parent’s night will be when the Eagles host El Paso Immanuel Baptist on Sept. 19. Back Jahn, Truesdell named top 4-H volunteers MONAHANS – Jill Jahn and Wayne Truesdell were recognized as outstanding Terrell County 4-H volunteers at the annual Texas AgriLife Extension, District 6 4-H recognition luncheon here Saturday. The luncheon recognizes outstanding volunteers from the 23 counties that make up the Far West Texas district. Each year, the event recognizes two outstanding volunteers from each county. “Jill and Wayne are both dedicated volunteers to the Terrell County 4-H program,” Extension Agent Mark Carroll said. “Jill brings a wealth of dedication and knowledge to the program.” He said she spent many years in 4-H participating in livestock projects and as a club officer as she grew up. As an adult leader, she has worked with Clover Buds, Wood Working projects and Arts & Crafts. “Jill is a tireless volunteer working with the 4-H program and serving as a role model in her community,” Carroll said. “Growing up, Wayne was a member of 4-H for ten years, participating in livestock, shooting sports and wood working projects,” he said. “As an adult volunteer, he is an invaluable to the Terrell County 4-H program. “He wears many hats as a shooting sports leaders and as the livestock mentor,” Carroll said. “Wayne is always willing to help with any project to help the kids grow and succeed.” Back TCISD enrollment up SANDERSON – Enrollment in Terrell County schools is up by about ten percent from the end of last school year, Superintendent Gary Hamilton said Monday. A total of 164 students showed up for class on the first day of school Monday, compared to 149 at the close of school in May. There were 56 in high school, unchanged from last year. The junior high enrollment is up from 24 to 28 and elementary enrollment was up from 69 last year to 80 as of Monday. Enrollment is important, particularly in a small “Chapter 41” school. How much of our tax take we get to sent to another school district is determined by a formula based on enrollment and the district’s tax base. Under the state’s controversial “Robin Hood” finance scheme, the more kids in school and the lower the tax base, the more a district gets to keep at home. With more students in school and with the tax based down about six percent, Terrell County schools may not have to share quite as many tax dollars with other school districts this year. Back Cactus Chat: Woolsey family adds to TCISD enrollment hike By KIM RAPP News Leader Production Manager SANDERSON – The school count has gone up this year, due in no small part to the arrival of the Woosley family. Kristine & Roy Woosley have come to town bringing four youngsters with them. The oldest, Ashley, will be a sophomore. She enjoys “talking on the phone and hangin’ out with friends.” Andrew, who will be a freshman, will play football as well as be an asset to our band and youth group. He plays the guitar, trumpet, tuba, drums and piano. Cassandra will attend the sixth grade and enjoys cheerleading and sports. Jason will be in the first grade and he “just likes to play,” says Mom. Roy Woosley is a new Border Patrol agent in town. Kristine will serve as president of the Band Boosters. The Woosley bunch hails from Elfrida, AZ. Another new face in town is Landra Stewardson. She is the new physical education teacher at the Elementary school as well as teaching health at the high school. She will also be assistant coach to the Lady Eagles. Stewardson comes to us all the way from Detroit east of Dallas. The 24 year old is in her first teaching position and is looking forward to the new year. Her only regret is having to leave her horse Yeller behind in Detroit. She hopes to soon bring him here if she can find a place for him. In her spare time, Stewardson enjoys reading, sports, community activities and riding Yeller. A man traveling through town last week known simply as “The Chief” had a chance to visit with two local boys at Uncles. Otto & little brother Zane “Scooter” Turner met up with him for a chat. The Chief is on a cross- country motorcycle ride from Myrtle Beach, SC. He chatted with the boys a bit and wound up putting a picture of them on his web-site www.followthechief.com. Now that the boys are famous, they have a tale to tell. Back Parents seek autonomy SANDERSON – The Senior Class Parents this year has opted to separate from the Terrell County Independent School District. It will be an independent organization and has filled a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status from the US Internal Revenue Service. The president is Susan Brotherton, vice president is Tammy Ramsey and treasurer/secretary is Deanna Seager. At their first meeting this week, the group looked at by-laws and will read and possibly adopt at next meeting. Back Open Preserve Day set SHEFFIELD – The Nature Conservancy of Texas will host an Open Preserve Day at its Independence Creek Preserve 22 miles south of here on Highway 349 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. The event is free and open to the public, although advanced registration is required by Thursday, Sept. 11. Visitors may participate in swimming, self-guided hiking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing, birding and other activities at their leisure. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks for the day and plan to take their trash home with them. Visitors also should bring towels and swimwear, fishing gear -- no live bait, only artificial lures and worms – binoculars, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water to drink. Restrooms are available at the pavilion within the headquarters. Firearms, stereos and TVs are prohibited. For safety reasons, children must be supervised by their parents or other designated adults. No pets of any kind will be permitted. Attendees should keep in mind that the Independence Creek Preserve is a wildlife sanctuary and that snakes, skunks and other wild animals may be present. Native American or other historic artifacts may be examined and appreciated but may not be removed. Vehicles must remain on roads unless otherwise directed by preserve staff. To register and get directions, call Kurt Hanna at 432/345-6773 or e-mail him at khanna@tnc.org or Lisa Wrinkle at lwrinkle@tnc.org.