The Daily Press http://sweetwaterreporter.com http://sweetwaterreporter.com/apfeed.xml--1 Copyright The Daily Press 2013-05-24T17:37:52-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88362013-05-24T17:37:52-04:002013-05-24T11:49:39-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterAs a family we loved to bowl. We would bowl on evening leagues, and I had the privilege of bowling on a Saturday morning youth league. Our team was so good. We were never challenged for last place, but we always had fun!Being young it seemed I could never find a “house ball” to fit my hands, and I could never keep a constant average. One Saturday morning while in the youth league a man watched as I bowled and said, “Hey Chris, would you like to try my ball?” “Sure”, I said. He pulled out this black beauty with the initials CLG on it, and it had five holes.  That’s right a five fingered bowling ball. His name was Charlie L. Gibson, and he explained that he had just learned about “finger tip” bowling and had his ball drilled for it. The ball was amazing, and I rolled a 205 the first time I used it. He allowed me to use it every Saturday that year. Then one day he came in and said, “Chris, this will be the last time you will get to use my ball, I am being transferred.” My heart was broken, and I begged him to let me keep it. Even tried to buy it, but he would have nothing to do with that. His orders were delayed, and I continued to use the ball the remainder of the season. Finally he got his orders. He was being sent to Vietnam. He said, “Chris, they don’t have bowling alleys over there, so I am leaving my bowling ball with you to take care of it until I get back.” I was thrilled! I got to keep the ball. I continued to bowl, even closed out the next season with a 202 average. Then one Saturday morning we were practicing and a man walked in. He looked at me and motioned for me to come over. I did, and he sat me down and began to explain to me that Charlie had been killed in the war, and he wanted me to keep his bowling ball as a reminder of his friendship. That bowling ball has become more than a reminder; it has become a memorial to a young man who sacrificed his all for me and my country. To this day I have that bowling ball and on each Memorial Day I take a moment to take it out and remember Charlie L. Gibson.Perhaps the greatest memorial is Calvary where Christ suffered, bled and died for our sins. This weekend find a family of a fallen soldier and thank them for the sacrifice they made for the freedom you enjoy.We would like to invite you to a concert on Sunday, June 2, at 6 p.m. Shawn Drewett will ministering to us through singing. If you would like to learn more about him, his website is www.shawndrewettministries.org.If you don’t have a church home, we would love for you to visit us at Broadway Baptist Church on 710 E. Third Street, this Sunday. Our Life Groups, which is for all ages, starts at 10 a.m. Our morning service is at 10:50 a.m. and our evening service begins at 6 p.m.  Come and let us be a blessing to you as we worship the Lord together.FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFirst Baptist Church invites you and your family to join us on this Sunday, May 26, for Bible study, beginning at 9:15 a.m. for all ages, followed by the Sunday morning service, which begins at 10:30 a.m. First Baptist Church is located at 213 East Third Street, next door to the Post Office. We warmly greet you. Your presence will enhance our worship experience and our fellowship together.There are many opportunities for service. If you have not received a church participation form, please pick one up in the church office. As members of the Body of Christ at First Baptist Church, we are all called to serve in one way or another. We have many areas of service available to you.Children’s Church facilitators are always welcome. Camp volunteers are still needed. High School Camp will be June 9-14. Vacation Bible School will be June 24-27. P3 at Circle Drive will be July 7-11. Missions Camp will be July 30-August 2. Lad and Lassie Camp will be August 2 and 3. Day Camp will be on August 3. P3 at Coral Cove will be August 4-8. All the summer camps are tied together under one church theme: “Refuge: Who Is Your Strength?” with a theme verse of Psalm 46:1. When you sign your student up for camp, they will receive a First Baptist Church Camp Shirt. Camp balances are due May 26.We are in the process of forming a rotation of bus drivers to pick up children on Sunday mornings. If you are interested, please contact Phillip Thomas.The church food pantry is in need of canned food and plastic bags. Please contact a member of the missions committee for more information.Heart Gallery is a collection of portraits featuring children in foster care who are currently waiting to be adopted. Please join us in prayer for those who are pictured in the foyer.The students will be having several fundraisers for camp and other summer activities. The youth will be painting addresses on driveways and curbs for donations. If you need your address updated so people can see it better, let Tique Hamilton know. We have 10 seniors graduating from high school. Join us on Sunday, May 26, as we celebrate our seniors and their accomplishments.We will be having Summer Sunday Nights Bible Study. Phillip Thomas will be facilitating a comparative religion study on June 16, 23, 30; July 21 and 28; August 11. Please join us in this informative study.For in depth information on First Baptist Church Sweetwater, find us on Facebook or at www.fbcsweetwater.org.FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHFirst Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater welcomes all to join us for worship. Our church is a warm and loving church, and we want you to feel comfortable and at liberty to call on us for anything you need pastorally. We would love to have you be our guest. The noisy offering will be collected this Sunday during worship. The children and youth will collect your loose change which goes to support The Nolan County Ministerial Alliance. Kenny Maxwell will be worship assistant. Greeters are Richard Gesin and Keith Brock. We are honored to be hosting Sweetwater High School Baccalaureate, Sunday, May 26 at 7 p.m. Be sure to come and support our seniors. The mission of First Presbyterian Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by being an oasis of God’s love. Worship services are each Sunday at 10:45 a.m. We are located at the corner of 14th Street and McCaulley, across from the high school. Find out more information about our ministry by calling 235-5491 or visit the church’s website www.fpcsweetwater.org.HIGHLAND HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHJoin the excitement at Highland Heights United Methodist Church. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-racial congregation, serving the Lord in unity and purpose, where the contribution of everyone is valued and welcome. The congregation and staff of Highland Heights is a friendly God loving people — join us as we praise God together and practice unity here on earth until he comes again in Glory.For more information, call the church at 325-235-2454 or the parsonage at 325-933-4296 (Monday through Wednesday). Highland Heights United Methodist Church is located at 1801 Lamar Street in Sweetwater. The pastor is Rev. Claude A. McKiddy.Our Church’s Mission Statement: “To glorify Christ in all that we do by bringing people to Christ and equipping them to serve Christ.”Join us for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:45 a.m., with Pastor Claude bringing the message entitled, “Justified by Faith: He will Guide you into all Truth.” Worship assistants are Lisa Peterson serving as worship leader, Brenda Alexander leads the congregational hymns and plays the keyboard, pianist is Eugenia Hill and our greeter for the month of May is Deena Kirkpatrick. Remember to bring your coins and/or folding money for noisy money. The collection is designated for the outreach ministry, “No More Malaria.” The projected goal is to eradicate malaria in Africa, in addition to furnishing bed nets for families, supporting new medical research and assisting hospitals in their ability to provide quality care for malaria patients.Pastors and church delegates representing their respective churches in the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church will be attending annual conference during the first week of June at Polk Street United Methodist Church in Amarillo.High school and college graduations fill the month of May and early June. It is a time of celebrating accomplishments and looking forward to new beginnings. Bless This House is calling upon prayer for these young people as they make decisions and choices in pursuing their individual dreams. Pray they recognize the doors of opportunity that God provides and rely upon Him for strength and perseverance in times of joy and times of difficulty.You are always invited to join us at 1801 Lamar Street, sharing in our vision of making Disciples of Jesus Christ, growing spiritually, fulfilling our God-given gifts, witnessing to others and ministering to ones in need.THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (THE MORMONS)Planting hope in HaitiPort-Au Prince, Haiti — A tree represents many things. A tree can offer many people the sustenance they need to survive another day.For others, a tree provides a thanked-for moment of shade on a hot day. Some are drawn to a tree’s natural beauty. For thousands of Latter-day Saint Haitians who continue to deal with the pain caused by the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, a tree has come to represent hope for a future rich in abundance and spiritual beauty.On May 1, members, throughout this Caribbean island nation came together to participate in a massive, country-wide tree planting project. Many more will be planted in the coming days. When the project is completed, it’s estimated that some 400,000 new trees will be growing in Haiti. Various trees are being planted — including lemon, orange, coconut, papaya and oak. In the future, it’s hoped that the members and their neighbors will enjoy the fruit produced on many of the trees even as they find shady relief from Haiti’s tropical sun. The church purchased the trees after the First Presidency approved the historic project.Besides signaling the Church’s ongoing support of Haiti’s quake recovery, the tree planting project also provided the members with a service-filled day to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Church here. Bishop  Lukenson Odney said, “This project offers us as Church members and citizens of Haiti a special opportunity to make a difference.”CalendarMay 26 — Sunday church service at 9 a.m. Visitors are welcome.May 27 — Family home evening.May 29 — Wednesday young women, Scouts, Cub Scouts and Achievement Day Girls at 6:30 p.m.We are located at 910 Elm in Sweetwater. If you would like to talk with representatives of the church about the Savior’s teachings, call 1-800-622-5595. Missionaries serving in this area are Elder Rios and Elder Cosman. Call (325) 864-2999.WORD OF GOD CHURCHWe have a rain date for the Kickball Fun Day fundraiser. It will be this Saturday, May 25, at the fields down by the coliseum. Sign ups start at 9 a.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. Second through fifth graders will be placed on teams. If we have enough smaller children show up, we will make teams for them also. It’s $3 per child to play as many games as time allows. A concession stand will be available with brisket sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, baked goodies and drinks. Please come out and help support the youth in their fundraiser for camp. For more information, please contact Jennifer at 338-1925. Sweetwater, TXNo author availableChurches planning Vacation Bible SchoolSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8836Change0Usable2013-05-24T11:49:39-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88352013-05-24T15:36:29-04:002013-05-24T11:45:34-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterThe Cavanaugh Flight Museum, which promotes aviation history and aviation heritage, owes its beginnings to Jim Cavanaugh’s love of airplanes and the personal collection he began in 1980 when he purchased a half-share of a 1939 Piper J-3 Cub. In 1993, Mr. Cavanaugh, the founder of Jani-King International a commercial cleaning services franchise, decided to share his collection with the public by opening the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. The museum now encompasses over 50,000 square feet of display area and houses over 50 airplanes, mostly warbirds, most of which are airworthy. At the Cavanaugh Museum, visitors can view the airplanes and other aviation artifacts, take rides in a variety of planes, or even rent the facility for birthday parties or other events. The museum also has a number of volunteer pilots who are able and willing to fly the planes to air shows throughout the country, much like Julia Wood. Carol Cain, the WASP Museum Administrator, said, “We are so happy that Julia has agreed to take time out of her schedule to participate in our event, and we are so fortunate to have the support of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.” This year’s WASP Homecoming marks the first time the museums have collaborated. Cain said, “The Cavanaugh Flight Museum has done an incredible job of promoting aviation history. We hope to learn from them and to continue our relationship going forward.” The WASP Museum has already taken steps to emulate the larger Cavanaugh Museum. Just recently the WASP Board of Directors received a full set of plans for an expansion at the museum’s current location. The improvements will greatly enlarge the museum and most importantly, the plans include climate controlled space that will allow for the preservation and proper display of the many precious artifacts that the museum has collected. Fundraising is underway, and those interested in donating can do so at www.waspmuseum.org. The public can also show their support by coming out to this weekend’s WASP Homecoming. The event will be an all-day affair and will include plenty of excitement for all ages. The festivities begin early with several warbirds and other planes on display, including a Beech-18, a T-6 Texan, the Cavanaugh Museum’s Fairchild PT-19, several Stearman PT-17s, and a Douglas C-47 Skytrain. Also available at the event will be the opportunity for children between the ages of 8 and 17 to go up for a free ride in an airplane as part of the EAA Young Eagles program. There will be plenty of other activities and sights throughout the day including HANGARburgers and Fififries for lunch and an opportunity to meet the WASP in attendance. Cain is inviting and encouraging the public to come out and learn the history of the WASP and to visit with them. “Texas is fortunate to have such incredible cultural resources like the WASP and Cavanaugh Museums,” said Cain. “We appreciate all the support we receive from our sponsors, donors and the community, and we hope everyone comes out this weekend to enjoy the festivities, fun and flying!”The National WASP WWII Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation located at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, the training field of the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The WASP Museum seeks to educate and inspire all generations with the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots — the first women to fly American military aircraft — women who forever changed the role of women in aviation. Sweetwater, TXNo author availableWASP Museum teams with Cavanaugh Flight Museum for festivities, fun and flyingSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8835Change0Usable2013-05-24T11:45:34-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88342013-05-24T11:44:01-04:002013-05-24T11:44:01-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterWith an almost 6% budget cut, Sweetwater ISD is a big part of the Head Start/Early Head Start program within Region 14. As a result of the losses, employees from Region 14 will be helping with various local duties.On the other hand, the local program has seen a slight decrease of enrollment. Because of the local economic growth, some parents have been able to obtain higher-paying jobs, which eliminates them from being eligible for participation in Head Start.But as a result of the two factors, the situation has almost resolved itself. And although a waiting list is required by the federal government, the district plans on serving as many kids as possible. However, Head Start classes will decrease in number next year from six to four classes. Additionally, Early Head Start classes will be cut from seven to six.Also during the report, the board discussed the possibility of hiring an HR/PR director, an idea posed at the previous meeting. Campus principals were recently polled on the need of hiring a behavioral specialist, and the campus leadership group has also talked about the idea while examining the successes within other schools.Southeast Elementary has assisted with the addition of a counselor, while the middle school implements OCS (on-campus suspension) and Sweetwater High School uses DAEP (disciplinary alternative education program) measures.Other programs which have seen success with behavior include Pitt Stop at SIS (Sweetwater Intermediate School) and Grand Central Station at SMS (Sweetwater Middle School). However, some sort of program would need to be implemented at East Ridge for second and third grade students so that all campuses could be covered.Sweetwater, TXBelinda SerranoFederal cuts affect local Head Start programSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8834Change0Usable2013-05-24T11:44:01-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88332013-05-24T11:41:09-04:002013-05-24T11:41:09-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterMajor Jensen earned her commission in 1998 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Before her assignment to the team, she served as assistant flight commander and T-38 instructor pilot in the 97th Flying Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB, TX. She has logged more than 2,500 hours as an Air Force pilot, including 210 combat hours during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Jensen hails from River Falls, Wis.She received a Bachelor of Science degree in English at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. in 1999, graduated from Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB, Ala. in 2003 and from Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence in 2011.She is a Senior Pilot with more than 2,900 flight hours. She has flown the following aircraft: T-37, T-38A, T-38C, and F-16C/D.Maj. Jensen has received many awards and decorations including a Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, an Air Medal with oak leaf cluster; an Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Achievement Medal, a Combat Readiness Medal, a National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, an Iraq Campaign Medal with oak leaf cluster, a War on Terrorism Service Medal with bronze star and a Korean Defense Service Medal.She was promoted to Second Lieutenant on May 27, 1998, to First Lieutenant on June 1, 2000, to Captain on June 1, 2002 and to Major on Nov. 1, 2007.Maj. Jensen has had many assignments over the years as part of the U.S. Air Force including the following:• May 1998 to April 1999, Standardization/Evaluation special projects officer, 94th Flying Training Squadron, USAF Academy, Colo.• April 1999 to May 2000, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin AFB, Tex.• October 2000 to October 2004, check pilot; later, Assistant Flight Commander and T-38 Instructor Pilot, 87th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin AFB, Tex.• November 2003 to March 2004, student, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Moody, AFB, Ga.• April 2004 to December 2004, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 62nd Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.• January 2005 to January 2006, F-16 flight lead; later, Chief Combat Plans, 35th Fighter Squadron, Kunsan AB, Republic of South Korea• January 2006 to May 2008, F-16 flight lead; later, Flight Commander (and Chief, Wing Training as Active Guard Reserve Officer), 4th Fighter Squadron (388th Operations Support Squadron), Hill AFB, Utah• June 2008 to July 2011, Assistant Flight Commander and T-38 Instructor Pilot, 97th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Tex.Sweetwater, TXNo author availableMaj. Caroline Jensen to be featured speaker at WASP Homecoming luncheonSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8833Change0Usable2013-05-24T11:41:09-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88292013-05-24T09:21:58-04:002013-05-24T09:21:58-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterTonight, our precipitation chances increase to 40%, but we'll have mostly cloudy conditions with a low around 67. winds will remain from the southeast at 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Rain chances will decrease to 20% on Saturday, but expect highs this weekend between the mid-80s and low 90s. Lows will be in the mid-60s, and winds will be moderate with gusts up to 30 mph.Sweetwater, TXNo author availableWeekend weather forecast for SweetwaterSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8829Change0Usable2013-05-24T09:21:58-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88262013-05-23T20:23:17-04:002013-05-23T20:23:17-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterSweetwater, TXTatiana RodriguezEast Ridge students, families evacuated to safety at SHSSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8826Change0Usable2013-05-23T20:23:17-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88212013-05-23T16:17:04-04:002013-05-23T11:55:02-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterParticipants may choose morning, afternoon or all-day sessions. All camps will work closely with the STEM mind set of teaching science, technology, engineering and math. Lunch is included in the full-day session. Everyone will receive a free t-shirt and goodie bags. TSTC Sweetwater’s Student Center will be the location for drop-off and pick-up. Basic Robotics (9 a.m. to noon):Want to build a robot? Come learn the LEGO NXT LabView programs.Advanced Robotics (9 a.m. to noon):Want to build a more technical robot? Come learn automating NXT robot motion. Math Track (9 a.m. to noon):Learn fun ways to strengthen your math skills.Art Track (1-4 p.m.):Build it. Sketch it. Paint it. Get creative with the arts.Medical Track (1-4 p.m.):Students will receive hands-on training in CPR/first aid along with tours of Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital and the Sweetwater Fire Department. Technology Track (1-4 p.m.):Technology at your finger tips — learn how to use iPADS and digital cameras.The cost for a single camp is $75 (morning or afternoon). The cost for two camps is $150 (one in the morning and one in the afternoon with lunch included)Sweetwater, TXNo author availableTSTC to host six summer campsSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8821Change0Usable2013-05-23T11:55:02-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88202013-05-23T11:52:33-04:002013-05-23T11:52:33-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterAlthough born in Oklahoma, James has lived in Sweetwater. He began his work in law enforcement in 1985 when he was sworn in as a reserve officer in Odessa. After serving in Ector County for four years, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.Four years later, James made the decision to move to Sweetwater. In June of 1992, he became a reserve officer for the SPD. The decision to retire on his birthday goes back to the date he began in law enforcement in Odessa--on his birthday, May 20.During the reception, James and his colleagues reminisced on a few of their favorite--and sometimes funny--memories together. Some of the recollections were James' interactions with offenders of the law, fellow officers and one of the few instances he called for backup.The gathering also allowed them to praise the retiring reserve officer. According to Lieutenant Randy Hanes, James gave up between 5,000 and 6,000 hours of his time to serve the city.Over 90% of the time, James would respond when he was called to work, and in many instances the hours were in addition to the regular time he put in. His commitment led his colleagues to call him "reliable."James stated that his time in local law enforcement has been "fun and exciting." He said he enjoyed working in Sweetwater and the people with whom he worked. Additionally, he appreciates everyone who supported him and is thankful that he was never injured or shot at during his service. However, James is not done serving others, as he intends to continue as a volunteer fireman with the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department."Some may go and new ones will come," James said, "but now it's time for me to go."Sweetwater, TXBelinda SerranoSPD reserve officer retiresSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8820Change0Usable2013-05-23T11:52:33-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88192013-05-23T11:49:59-04:002013-05-23T11:49:59-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterAvondale Baptist Church invites all children age five years through grade five for their annual Club VBS. The kids will jaunt through adventure-filled Bible stories, create cool rainforest crafts, enjoy rainforest rations and ride the recreation rapids.On June 1, 2013 at 10 a.m., there will be a round-up at the church for all those wanting to join on the adventure. There will be games, snow cones and cotton candy. There will be an opportunity to sign up for the Jungle Jaunt."We are happy to offer this amazing Amazon adventure to every child in our community," said event organizers. "We have trained a fine team of leaders for this incredible adventure."Sweetwater, TXNo author availableAvondale Baptist to host Club VBSSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8819Change0Usable2013-05-23T11:49:59-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:88182013-05-23T11:46:51-04:002013-05-23T11:46:51-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterC-47 #42-32832 is owned and piloted by Scott Glover of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, who delights in showing the plane and extolling its extensive and meticulously documented combat history. Purchased by Glover in 2000, the aircraft has been expertly restored to its same condition, appearance and markings as when it was assigned to the 53rd Troop Carrier Squadron (3A) of the IX Troop Carrier Command of the 9th Air Force and piloted by Lt. Donald “Sky” King. Restoration of the C-47 dubbed SKY KING was completed in July of 2010. Among the many documented combat missions of SKY KING — including operations during the invasions of Sicily, Italy, France, Holland and Germany — the night parachute drop of members of the 82 Airborne Division on “D Day” June 6, 1944, stands out. For that mission SKY KING was part of a 72-ship formation among other groups totaling over 1,000 troop carriers each with 18 paratroopers. In addition to troop carrier and parachute drop duties, SKY KING also towed and released a Waco CG-4A Glider containing a crew of two plus three troops and a Jeep in the invasion of Holland, Operation Market Garden. Scott Glover and SKY KING will be at the WASP Museum all day Saturday, allowing visitors a rare opportunity to get close and see, smell and feel a very special aircraft. Sweetwater, TXNo author availableHistoric WWII troop carrier to visit WASP HomecomingSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8818Change0Usable2013-05-23T11:46:51-04:00