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Secondhand Smoke Harms Smoker’s Loved Ones

Contact: Courtney Schoessow, 979-845-3850,CJSchoessow@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – In addition to harming their own health, smokers' habits harm the health of their loved ones, said Courtney Schoessow, Texas Cooperative Extension program specialist for health education and development.

"Did you know that if you smoke around others, especially children, you are being selfish?" she said. "Think about how smoking harms the people you care about."

Secondhand smoke occurs when cigarettes and other tobacco products are burned, Schoessow said.

"This smoke can make you and your children sick – really sick!" she said. "Children who live in homes where people smoke get sick more often with coughs, breathing problems such as asthma and ear infections."

Secondhand smoke is also bad for adults because it can cause such diseases as lung cancer and cardiovascular problems, she said.

"It can even cause death," Schoessow said. "If you are a husband who smokes, think about your wife. Your smoking is causing harm to her."

Her advice: Protect your family by making your home and car smoke-free.

"Take your smoking outside and away from your loved ones," she said. "Poisons from smoke linger in the air for up to seven days. When you smoke inside the house or in your vehicle, you are exposing people to dangerous poisons even if they are not present while you are smoking."

Although quitting isn't easy, it can be done, Schoessow said. The first step is smoking outside away from loved ones.

"By making a smoke-free home and vehicle, you are showing your loved ones that you are not selfish," she said. "You are showing them that you care for them. By making a smoke-free home, you are making their health better."

For more information on how to quit smoking, contact the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org or 800-ACS-2345, or the National Cancer Institute at http://www.cancer.gov or 877-44U-QUIT.

For more information on the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, contact a county Extension office about the "Put it Outside for Healthier Kids" program.

NASA's Pluto Mission Launched Toward New Horizons

The first mission to distant planet Pluto is under way after the successful launch today of NASA's New Horizons spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

New Horizons roared into the afternoon sky aboard a powerful Atlas V rocket at 2 p.m. EST. It separated from its solid-fuel kick motor 44 minutes, 53 seconds after launch, and mission controllers at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md., where the spacecraft was designed and built, received the first radio signals from New Horizons a little more than five minutes later. The radio communications, sent through NASA's Deep Space Network antennas in Canberra, Australia, confirmed to controllers that the spacecraft was healthy and ready to begin initial operations.

"Today, NASA began an unprecedented journey of exploration to the ninth planet in the solar system," says Dr. Colleen Hartman, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. "Right now, what we know about Pluto could be written on the back of a postage stamp. After this mission, we'll be able to fill textbooks with new information."

The 1,054-pound, piano-sized spacecraft is the fastest ever launched, speeding away from Earth at approximately 36,000 miles per hour, on a trajectory that will take it more than 3 billion miles toward its primary science target. New Horizons will zip past Jupiter for a gravity assist and science studies in February 2007, and conduct the first close-up, in-depth study of Pluto and its moons in summer 2015. As part of a potential extended mission, the spacecraft would then examine one or more additional objects in the Kuiper Belt, the region of ancient, icy, rocky bodies (including Pluto) far beyond Neptune's orbit.

"The United States of America has just made history by launching the first spacecraft to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt beyond," says Dr. Alan Stern, New Horizons principal investigator, from Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colo. "No other nation has this capability. This is the kind of exploration that forefathers, like Lewis and Clark 200 years ago this year, made a trademark of our nation."

Over the next several weeks, mission operators at APL will place the spacecraft in flight mode, check out its critical operating systems, and perform small propulsive maneuvers to refine its path toward Jupiter. Following that, among other operations, the team will begin checking and commissioning most of the seven science instruments.

"This is the gateway to a long, exciting journey," says Glen Fountain, New Horizons project manager from APL. "The team has worked hard for the past four years to get the spacecraft ready for the voyage to Pluto and beyond, to places we've never seen up close. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in the tradition of the Mariner, Pioneer, and Voyager missions to set out for first looks in our solar system."

After the Jupiter encounter -- during which New Horizons will train its science instruments on the large planet and its moons -- the spacecraft will "sleep" in electronic hibernation for much of the cruise to Pluto. Operators will turn off all but the most critical electronic systems and check in with the spacecraft once a year to check out the critical systems, calibrate the instruments and perform course corrections, if necessary.

Between the in-depth checkouts, New Horizons will send back a beacon signal each week to give operators an instant read on spacecraft health. The entire spacecraft, drawing electricity from a single radioisotope thermoelectric generator, operates on less power than a pair of 100-watt household light bulbs.

New Horizons is the first mission in NASA's New Frontiers Program of medium-class spacecraft exploration projects. Stern leads the mission and science team as principal investigator. APL manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate and is operating the spacecraft in flight. The mission team also includes Ball Aerospace Corporation, the Boeing Company, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Stanford University, KinetX, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, University of Colorado, the U.S. Department of Energy, and number of other firms, NASA centers, and university partners. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center was responsible for the launch.

For more information about New Horizons mission on the Web, visit:

http://pluto.jhuapl.edu and http://www.nasa.gov/newhorizons

Texas Crop and Weather Report

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Severe winter weather across much of Texas has been a factor in the reduced number of postings in this week's crop and weather report. As more arrive, they will be added to next week's report.

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were above average early in the week before plunging below normal by week's end. Sleet, freezing rain, light snow and fog accompanied the cold temperatures. Field activities, including the remaining cotton harvest, have stopped until warmer and drier conditions return. Gins continue to be active. Wheat has benefitted from the moisture. Greenbug infestations of small-grain fields are increasing in southern portions of the area, but low temperatures will slow reproduction. Range conditions are rated from very poor to good with most areas in the middle. Cattle are in fair to good condition, but the cold, sleet, freezing rain and light snow are causing considerable stress. Supplemental feeding continues.

SOUTH PLAINS: Severe winter weather in the area brought temperatures in the teens. Ice and snow made travel extremely dangerous. This arctic blast brought field work to a halt and stressed area livestock. Wheat has progressed well due to the recent moisture. Pastures and ranges are in poor to fair condition. Supplemental feeding continues.

ROLLING PLAINS: Temperatures dipped into the teens, and freezing rain, sleet and snow came to the area at week's end. Heavy hay and feed supplements are being given to cattle and horses. Fall cattle work has been completed; some producers have reduced herds instead of supplementally feeding them. Livestock are in fair to good condition. Cotton harvest is almost complete. Cotton gins are making good progress. Greenbugs continue to be a problem in wheat, with more acreage being sprayed every day. Recent rains should add growth to the wheat and help it outgrow some greenbug pressure.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranges from very short to adequate, and crops such as winter wheat and oats, and native pastures reflect the moisture conditions. Supplemental feeding of livestock continues.

WEST CENTRAL: Temperatures were unseasonably warm at the beginning of the week but freezing at week's end. Some rain has been reported in a few areas. Below freezing temperatures with some anticipated rainfall is expected for the next seven days. Small grains and pastures are showing some good growth due to recent rains. Producers continue to strip what little cotton is left, weather conditions permitting. Livestock are in fair to good condition. Supplemental feeding continues due to cold conditions. Hay is in big demand and in short supply. Hard rains are needed is some areas to fill empty stock tanks.

SOUTH: Most of the region had adequate soil moisture conditions with cool nights and mild days last week. Temperatures are lower than normal but no major freeze damage has been reported yet. Harvesting of winter vegetables, citrus and sugarcane is still under way. Farmers are preparing land for spring planting. Range conditions have benefitted from recent rains.

Cold Can Burn Landscape Plants

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: John Begnaud, 325-659-6524,j-begnaud@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – Ice and cold have gripped much of the state for several days, leaving many Texans to wonder about what's to become of their frozen landscapes.

John Begnaud, Texas Cooperative Extension horticulturist in San Angelo, said in addition to low temperatures, the duration of the cold also is a significant plant-damaging factor.

"We're in USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) plant hardiness Zone 7B, so we can historically expect an average annual minimum temperature of between five and 10 degrees Fahrenheit," Begnaud said. "Duration of cold, especially temperatures below freezing, can allow plant tissues to be more deeply penetrated by low temperatures. This can harm marginal plants to our area such as oleander, some palms and even perennials such as lantana and plumbago."

The extent of the damage may not become apparent until bud-break in March or early April, he said. Some injury may not appear until the plants are stressed by summer's heat and dry weather.

Oaks, pecans, nandina, hollies and others will show no damage because they are well suited to the extremes of Zone 7B, Begnaud said.

"Deciduous trees and shrubs are likely to see little or no damage from ice," he said. "Evergreen plants such as ligustrum, boxwood, Indian hawthorn and especially pittosporum may show browning of leaves with irregular discolored patches. Some evergreens respond with tarnished or bronzed foliage. This will be particularly noticeable on the youngest or newest leaves. This damage may remain on the plant throughout 2007 unless removed by pruning after new spring growth appears."

Begnaud recommends removing ice from plants only when it may cause limb breakage. Thumping or bumping is the method he recommends. He said a rapid thaw, such as that caused by pouring hot water over a plant, may cause ice crystals to pierce plant tissue and actually increase the damage.

Current conditions demonstrate the need for proper planting of evergreens, Begnaud said.

"Shadows cast by evergreens such as live oak trees slow the thawing process during cold spells," he said. "Trees that shadow streets and homes don't allow the sun to warm and melt accumulated ice for another day or two, thus promoting the chance of damage from a prolonged cold snap. That's why we always recommend planting evergreen trees on the north or east side of a home and deciduous trees on the south and west sides. This has a definite affect of allowing the sun to warm your home in winter, which not only will help your plants, but your heating bill as well."

Snow!

Wednesday morning Santa Anna awoke to a blanket of snow after 2-4 inches fell on West Central Texas overnight.

"Madilyn Kuykendall and Dad, Jessie Ellerbe, made a snowman 1/17/2007 at my house!", Amanda Ellerbe.

2007 Coleman County Stockshow Results

All Results Submitted by Sarah Beal

Little Britches Goat Show

Little Britches Goat Show Participants from Sunday, January 14th at the Coleman County Livestock Show are as follows:
1. Madison Wise, Santa Anna
2. Adam Taylor, Coleman
3. Laura Phares, Coleman
4. Hailey Phares, Coleman
5. McKenzie Smith, Coleman
6. Chris McMillan, Santa Anna
7. Rylee Philpot, Santa Anna
8. Breanna Michon, Santa Anna
9. Mark Loyd, Panther Creek
10. Jerod Roberts, Coleman
11. Shelbi Stephenson, Coleman
12. Conner Steffey, Coleman
13. Jamaica Jefferson, Coleman
14. Tyler Ransberger, Coleman
15. Averi Ransberger, Coleman

Judge for the Little Britches Goat show was Roy Richey, an ag teacher from Cross Plains. He interviewed each participant and all received a Blue ribbon and a Susan B. Anthony dollar. The Little Britches show allowed lambs and goats to be shown by children that are not yet eligible to exhibit animals in the stock show. It is a great way for the future exhibitors to get some experience in the show ring. Sarah Beal served as the show superintendent for this division.

Rabbit Division Results

Sarah Beal, Rabbit Supt.
Judge: Roy Richey, Cross Plains
Show was held on Sunday, January 14, 2007

Champion: Sarah Hailey
Reserve Champion: Sarah Holmquest
1. Sarah Hailey, Coleman 4-H
2. Sarah Holmquest, Novice FFA
3. Courtney Brown, Coleman 4-H
4. Measha Escobar, Novice FFA
5. Courtney Brown, Coleman 4-H
6. Katelyn McKinnon, Coleman 4-H
7. Jolyn Zarate, Coleman FFA
8. Heather McMillan, Santa Anna 4-H
9. Miranda Brooks, Coleman FFA
10. Emily Willis, Coleman 4-H

Steer Show Results

Steer Chairman: Ross Burdick
Judge: Chad Coburn, Sterling City

Grand Champion Steer: Jansen Merrill
Reserve Champion Steer; Taylor Davis
Grand Champion Heifer: Tori Valdez
Sr. Showmanship: Taylor Davis
Jr. Showmanship: Jansen Merrill

Light Weight English Steers
1. Taylor Davis
2. Jansen Merrill
3. Shelbi Greaves

Heavy Weight English Steers
Jansen Merrill
Taylor Davis
Layken DeLeon
Harlie Anderson
Chase Huddle

Champion English: Jansen Merrill
Reserve Champion English: Taylor Davis

American Steers
Mercedes Taylor
Daniella Escobar

Champion American: Mercedes Taylor
Reserve Champion American: Daniella Escobar

Light Weight European Steers
Sierra Guerrero
Shelbi Greaves
Harlie Anderson
Shay Carter

Medium Weight European Steers
Kristle DeLeon
Tori Valdez

Heavy Weight European Steers
Dalton DeLeon
Harley Anderson

Champion European: Sierra Guerrero
Reserve Champion European: Dalton DeLeon

Swine Show Results

Swine Supt. Sherman Smith
Judge: Don Edgar, College Station

Grand Champion Barrow: Kinsey Holland
Reserve Champion Barrow: Peyton Kuykendall

Sr. Swine Showmanship: Amber Hunter
Jr. Swine Showmanship: Chase Huddle

Class 1
Light Weight Hamp
1. Chanie Barker
2. Aaron Briley
3. Jacey Pannell
4. Jonathan Dean
5. Courtlyn Barker
6. Kenneth McMillan
7. Harlie Anderson
8. Corbin O’Dell
9. Heather McMillan
10. Joanie Dean

Class 2
Light Medium Weight Hamp
1. Reagan Barr
2. Peyton Kuykendall
3. Spencer Fitzpatrick
4. Chase Huddle
5. Cutter Culwell
6. Heather McMillan
7. Paige Barnett
8. Kolton Titsworth
9. Shay Huddle
10. Jordan Jewel
11. Jordan Dean

Class3
Heavy Medium Weight Hamp
1. Kinsey Holland
2. Meagan Ogden
3. Amber Hunter
4. Mathew Wickson
5. Jake Hargett
6. Christian Washington
7. Kelby McCorkle
8. Spencer Fitzpatrick
9. Andrew Stovall
10. Trevor Smith
11. Tracy Price

Class 4
Heavy Weight Hamp
1. Peyton Kuykendall
2. Sara Wickson
3. Harlie Anderson
4. Lance Holmquest
5. Erikha Barnett
6. Talon King
7. Laiken Barnett
8. Shay Huddle
9. Rebecca Baker
10. Rebecca Baker

Champion Hamp; Kinsey Holland
Reserve Champion Hamp: Peyton Kuykendall

Class 5
Light Weight Duroc
1. Corbin O’Dell
2. Kelby McCorkle
3. Peyton Kuykendall
4. Jordan Washington
5. McKenzie Culwell
6. Kelby MCCorkle
7. Kristle DeLeon
8. Caitlyn Murray

Class 6
Medium Weight Duroc
1. Garrett Strickland
2. Peyton Kuykendall
3. Jordan Washington
4. Christian Washington
5. Chase Avants
6. Sarah Pelton
7. Seth Wickson
8. Chad Robison
9. Brent Ogden
10. Megan Ogden

Class 7
Heavy Weight Duroc

1. Jessica Reece
2. Garrett Strickland
3. Trent Smith
4. Kelsey Puckett
5. Fred Blackwell
6. J. D. Crowder
7. Kevin Pope
8. Garrett Strickland

Grand Champion Duroc: Corbin O’Dell
Reserve Champion Duroc: Jessica Reece

Class 8
Light Weight White OPB
1. Harlie Anderson
2. David Cupps
3. Peyton Kuykendall
4. Skylar Culwell
5. Jordan Washington
6. Jessica Reece
7. Layken DeLeon
8. Jarrod Briley
9. Trevor Smith
10. Chelsey Van Pelt

Class 9
Light Medium Weight White OPB
1. Ashlyn Dela Garza
2. Sarah Wickson
3. Sierra Rambo
4. Skylar Culwell
5. Heather McMillan
6. Dillon Strickland
7. Makayla Morris
8. Sarah Pelton
9. Chase Avants
10. Nicole Heath

Class 10
Heavy Medium Weight White OPB
1. Aaron Briley
2. Kelby McCorkle
3. Sierra Guerrero
4. Kenneth Mc Millan
5. Skylar Culwell
6. Sarah Pelton
7. Fred Blackwell
8. Gary Heath
9. Nicole Heath
10. Shelby Newton
11. David Cupps

Class 11
Heavy Weight White OPB
1. Ashlyn Dela Garza
2. Draven Dela Garza
3. Kelby McCorkle
4. Trent Smith
5. Draven Dela Garza
6. Kelsi Willis
7. Audrey Casselberry
8. Tanner Strickland
9. Chase Avants

Champion WOPB: Aaron Briley
Reserve Champion WOPB: Ashlyn Dela Garza

Class 12
Light Weight Black OPB
1. Kenneth McMillan
2. T. J. Taylor
3. Brittany Morris
4. Brittany Morris
5. Peyton Morris
6. Makayla Morris
7. Shelby Newton

Class 13
Medium Weight Black OPB
1. Kenneth McMillan
2. Peyton Kuykendall
3. Janai Dillard
4. Heather McMillan
5. Dakota Enriquez
6. Kolton Titsworth
7. Jordan Jewel
8. Cory Robison

Class 14
Heavy Weight Black OPB
1. Spencer Fitzpatrick
2. Sarah Casselberry
3. Caitlyn Murray
4. Jacey Pannell
5. Gary Heath
6. Dillon Strickland
7. Garrett Strickland

Champion BOPB: Kenneth McMillan
Reserve Champion BOPB: Spencer Fitzpatrick

Class 15
Light Weight Crossbred
1. Lacye Briley
2. Tanner Strickland
3. Kelby McCorkle
4. Kolton Titswoth
5. Sierra Guerrero
6. Christian Washington
7. Courtlyn Barker
8. Kenneth McMillan
9. Sarah Pelton
10. Trevor Smith

Class 16
Medium Weight Crossbred
1. Corbin Brooks
2. Sarah Pelton
3. Kenneth McMillan
4. Trent Smith
5. Draven Dela Garza
6. Amber Hunter
7. Chelsey Van Pelt
8. Harlie Anderson
9. Skylar Culwell
10. Kevin Pope

Class 17
Heavy Weight Crossbred
1. Brent Ogden
2. Colton Enriquez
3. Chanie Barker
4. J. D. Crowder
5. David Cupps
6. Tanner Brooks
7. Dakota Enriquez
8. Meagan Ogden
9. Harlie Anderson
10. Cassie Philpot
11. Kyle Card
12. Cassie Philpot
13. Jacey Pannel

Grand Champion Crossbred: Brent Ogden
Reserve Champion Crossbred: Lacye Briley

Show Lamb Results

Lamb Supt. Rodney Ivy

Class 1 Finewool
1 Zayne Riggins
2 Colt/Kirstie Jamison
3 Colton Smith
4 James Stephenson
5 James Stephenson
6 Seth Ryan
7 Colt/Kirstie Jamison
8 Halie Cassaday
9 Colt/Kirstie Jamison
10 Halie Cassaday
11 Halie Cassaday

Class 2 Finewool
1 Colton Smith
2 Jake Stephenson
3 Colt/ Kirstie Jamison
4 Kylie Bledsoe
5 Colt/Kristie Jamison
6 Colton Smith
7 Zayne Riggins
8 Chelsey Bouldin
9 Colton Smith
10 James Short
11 Aaron, Jared, Lacye Briley
12 Jake Stephenson

Class 3 Finewool
1 Kylie Bledsoe
2 James Short
3 James Stephenson
4 James Short
5 Colton Smith
6 Courtney Moore
7 Colton Smith
8 Kylie Bledsoe
9 Chelsey Bouldin
10 Colt/ Kirstie Jamison
11 James Stephenson

Class 4 Finewool
1 Jake Stephenson
2 James Short
3 James Short
4 Nancy Meyer
5 Jayce Simmons
6 James Stephenson
7 Kylie Bledsoe
8 Aaron, Jared, Lacye Briley
9 Nancy Meyer
10 Chelsey Bouldin
11 Colt/ Kirstie Jamison
12 James Stephenson
13 James Stephenson

Class 5 Finewool
1 Jake Stephenson
2 James Short
3 Seth Ryan
4 Jake Stephenson
5 Nancy Meyer
6 Jake Stephenson
7 James Short
8 Chelsey Bouldin
9 Nancy Meyer
10 Nancy Meyer
11 Chelsey Bouldin

Grand Champion Finewool: Jake Stephenson
Reserve Champion Finewool: James Short

Class 6 Finewool Cross
1 Aaron, Jared, Lacye Briley
2 Katie Straach
3 Aaron, Jared, Lacye Briley
4 Jarred Jones
5 Lachelle Rutledge
6 Jammie Pruitt
7 Halie Cassaday
8 Halie Cassaday

Class 7 Finewool Cross
1 Jake Stephenson
2 Zayne Riggins
3 Seth Ryan
4 James Short
5 Colton Smith
6 Aaron, Jared, Lacye Briley
7 Courtney Moore
8 James Short
9 James Short

Class 8 Finewool Cross
1 Kylie Bledsoe
2 James Short
3 James Stephenson
4 Kylie Bledsoe
5 Katie Straach
6 Seth Ryan
7 Nancy Meyer
8 Chelsey Bouldin

Grand Champion Finewool Cross: Kylie Bledsoe
Reserve Champion Finewool Cross: Jake Stephenson

Class 9 Medium Wool
1 Kylie Bledsoe
2 Jayce Simmons
3 Carissa Zarate
4 Seth Ryan
5 Lachelle Rutledge
6 Jammie Pruitt

Class 10 Medium Wool
1 James Short
2 Carissa Zarate
3 Zayne Riggins
4 Jammie Pruitt
5 Seth Ryan

Grand Champion Medium Wool: Kyle Bledsoe
Reserve Champion Medium Wool: James Short

Class 11 Southdown
1 Colton Smith
2 Courtney Moore
3 Jarred Jones
4 Aaron, Jared, Lacye Briley

Grand Champion Southdown: Colton Smith
Reserve Champion Southdown: Courtney Moore
Overall Champion: Jake Stephenson (Finewool)
Overall Reserve Champion: James Short (Finewool)
Jr. Showmanship: Zayne Riggins
Sr. Showmanship: Jake Stephenson

Goat Show Results

Supt: Nathan Wise
Judge Matt Kennedy, College Station

Class 1
1 Jake Stephenson
2 Rachel Henson
3 Kelly Loyd
4 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
5 Jessica Phares
6 Jessica Phares
7 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
8 Chesley Day
9 Hadryann Beason
10 Anna Vail

Class 2
1 Nancy Meyer
2 Ross Jackson
3 Wonda Sullens
4 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
5 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
6 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
7 Jessi Loyd
8 Ashely, Katherine, & Allison Matthews
9 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
10 Jessica Phares
11 Rebecka Melton
12 Ashely, Katherine, & Allison Matthews

Class 3
1 Aaron Briley
2 Carissa & Shelton Zarate
3 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
4 Ashely, Katherine, & Allison Matthews
5 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
6 Ashely, Katherine, & Allison Matthews
7 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
8 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
9 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
10 Rowdy Escobar

Class 4
1 Casie Swening
2 Ross Jackson
3 Aaron Briley
4 Aaron Briley
5 Shaina Brown
6 Jack Stephenson
7 Shelton & Carissa Zarate
8 Jessica Phares
9 Chesley Day

Class 5
1 Nancy Meyer
2 Colton Smith
3 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
4 Shaina Brown
5 Jammie Pruitt
6 Rebecka Melton
7 Justin Hensley
8 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
9 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge

Class 6
1 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
2 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
3 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
4 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
5 Ashton and Brody Tibbetts
6 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
7 Shaina Brown
8 Lachelle & Magen Rutledge
9 Rowdy Escobar
10 Ashely, Katherine, & Allison Matthews

Class 7
1 Casie Swening
2 Casie Swening
3 Nancy Meyer
4 Courtney Moore & Will Copley
5 Shaina Brown
6 Ashton and Brody Tibbetts
7 Kylie Bledsoe
8 Jammie Pruitt
9 Rebecca Melton

Class 8
1 Casie Swening
2 Ashton and Brody Tibbetts
3 Rowdy Escobar

Division 1 (classes 1-3)
Champion: Nancy Meyer
Reserve Champion: Jake Stephenson

Division 2 (classes 4-6)
Champion: Casie Swening
Reserve Champion: Courtney Moore

Division 3 (classes 7&8)

Champion: Casie Swening
Reserve Champion: Casie Swening
Champion Overall: Casie Swening
Reserve Champion: Casie Swening
Jr Showmanship: Courtney Moore
Sr Showmanship: Nancy Meyer

Stockshow Awards and Donors

Sarah Beal, Stockshow Chairman
Buckles
Jansen Merrill-Champion Steer buckle sponsored by Jay & Willene Davis
Jake Stephenson-Champion Lamb buckle sponsored by Santa Anna National Bank
Kinsey Holland-Champion Barrow buckle sponsored by Bledsoe Ford
Casie Swening-Champion Meatgoat buckle sponsored by Coleman County Special Utility District
Sarah Hailey-Champion Rabbit buckle sponsored by James & Jody Barr
Jansen Merrill-Jr. Steer Showmanship buckle (Carrie Morris Memorial) sponsored by Heath & Danielle Hemphill
Taylor Davis- Sr. Steer Showmanship buckle sponsored by Bowen Drug Store
Jake Stephenson-Sr. Lamb Showmanship buckle sponsored by First Coleman National Bank
Zayne Riggins-Jr. Lamb Showmanship buckle sponsored by Hall’s Processing
Amber Hunter-Sr. Barrow Showmanship buckle sponsored by Coleman County State Bank
Chase Huddle- Jr. Barrow Showmanship buckle sponsored by Sherman & Tammy Smith
Nancy Meyer- Sr. Meatgoat Showmanship buckle (Willard Allen Memorial) sponsored by Jo Ann Allen
Courtney Moore- Jr. Meatgoat Showmanship buckle sponsored by Sandy & Barbara Neal
Aaron Briley-Top Hand buckle sponsored by Alderman-Cave, Wendell Lee representative

Trophies
Taylor Davis- Reserve Champion Steer trophy sponsored by C. M. Huckabee
James Short- Reserve Champion Lamb trophy sponsored by Kirby Vanover
Peyton Kuykendall- Reserve Champion Barrow trophy sponsored by Coleman County Farm Bureau
Casie Swening-Reserve Champion Meatgoat trophy sponsored by Chris & Cindy Jamison
Sarah Holmquest-Reserve Champion Rabbit trophy sponsored by Sarah Beal
Tori Valdez-Champion Heifer trophy sponsored by Dona Triplitt (Ted Triplitt Memorial)
Mercedes Taylor-Champion American Steer trophy sponsored by Williams Tire Store
Jansen Merrill-Champion English Steer trophy sponsored by Horne Ranch Co.
Sierra Guerrero-Champion European Steer trophy sponsored by Henry & Margie Dodson
Daniella Escobar-Reserve Champion American Steer trophy sponsored by Wayne & Betty McClure
Taylor Davis- Reserve Champion English Steer trophy sponsored by Jack & Carole Horne
Dalton DeLeon-Reserve Champion European Steer trophy sponsored by Henderson Funeral Home
Jake Stephenson-Champion Finewool Lamb trophy sponsored by Davis Farm & Ranch Supply
Kylie Bledsoe-Champion Medium Wool Lamb trophy (Dr. Wesley Wise Memorial) sponsored by Santa Anna National Bank
Kylie Bledsoe-Champion Crossbred Lamb trophy sponsored by Johnson Feed Barn
Colton Smith-Champion Southdown Lamb trophy sponsored by Collier Watson
Kinsey Holland-Champion Hamp Barrow trophy sponsored by J. E. Stevens Co.
Corbin O’Dell-Champion Duroc Barrow trophy sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Bill Merryman
Aaron Briley-Champion WOPB Barrow trophy sponsored by Harold & Caroline Skelton
Brent Ogden-Champion Crossbred Barrow trophy sponsored by Simmons Feed & Seed
Kenneth McMillan-Champion BOPB Barrow trophy sponsored by Coleman County Electric Cooperative
Casie Swening-Champion Meatgoat Blanket (Joe Ed Wise Memorial) given by Nathan Wise

Former Rep. Charlie Stenholm Wins Tribute to Leadership Award

Writer: Edith A. Chenault, 979-845-2886,EChenaul@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, 979-845-1554,JMazurki@ag.tamu.edu

AUSTIN – Former Congressman Charles Stenholm has been honored with the Tribute to Leadership Award by Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership alumni.

An award ceremony and reception was to be held Jan. 17 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, but that event has been canceled due to inclement weather.

A native of Stamford, Stenholm began his career as a farmer in partnership with his father, who was a vocational agriculture teacher. In 1965, he became executive vice president of the Rolling Plains Cotton Growers. He was named general manager of the Stamford Electric Cooperative in 1968.

In 1978, he was elected to Congress. He served on the House Agriculture Committee for the 26 years he was in Congress and was the ranking member of the Democratic Party for the last eight years.

James "Jimmie" Powell of Fort McKavett, vice chairman of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership advisory board, said Stenholm was well-deserving of the award.

"He has been a very staunch supporter of agricultural programs, and he has done an outstanding job in that respect," said Powell, who has known Stenholm since his first years in Congress.

Stenholm has "been very good in maintaining stability in agriculture," Powell said. ‘He's also kept agriculture in a beneficial, profitable mode. He's helped the people in agriculture stay in agriculture."

Roddy Peeples of Dallas, executive secretary of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership advisory board, became acquainted with Stenholm as a co-judge in a FFA public speaking contest in 1964. Peeples, an agricultural broadcaster who was at that time with Voice of Southwest Agriculture, said he continued to cover Stenholm throughout his career.

"There's no question that he had superior influence" in Congress, Peeples said. "Everybody respected Charlie Stenholm."

Stenholm's leadership qualities were evident when he had to build consensus in his position at the cotton growers association, with the Stamford Electric Cooperative and in Congress.

"He's wholly very nice, a fine man and a leader," Peeples said. "I consider it a privilege to get to know him and call him a friend."

"There is no doubt that Congressman Stenholm was and still is a friend of agriculture," said Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz of College Station, director of the leadership program. "His influence on Texas and U.S. agriculture has made an impact on the world, and we will benefit from it for years to come."

Further information on the leadership program is available from http://TALL.tamu.edu .

Perry Calls on Texans to "Imagine the Possibilities."

Gov. Perry cites Power of Example, Power of Ideals, in Shaping the Texas of Tomorrow

Brrr!

Well it was pretty cold over the weekend but it really got cold Sunday night!

I woke up early Monday morning to spend most of my head start chipping away at the ice on the car instead of on the road to Goldthwaite. The good part was there wasn't any traffic to speak of and the conditions got better the farther I went.

It's kind of funny when someone drives for over an hour to get to work in bad weather and some can't drive five minutes...

Front wheel drive cars revolutionized bad weather driving is all I can say. I will take my front wheel drive car over all the four wheel drive pickup trucks stuck in the ditch any icy day.

It would have been a good day for staying at home sick but the truth was I felt a lot better Monday than I have in a couple of weeks. It's amazing what a shot of Ny-Quil at bed time will do. Or maybe just a shot of something!

We have all had something or the other over the last few weeks. It think that whatever it is starts around Thanksgiving and then cross breeds at Christmas with something else and becomes a combination stomach bug, cold, and flu that just kinds of hangs around until about Easter.

I had really wanted to get several News projects out of the way over the holidays but just didn't feel like it. But that just gives me more to surprise you with over the next few weeks. I did get one thing working already and that is the updated Funnies Page. I found several automatically updating comics and added them. Some might be a little PG and I may have to watch what they have on them.

Anyhow the Sun came out just long enough to melt all the ice off the roads and still leave it on all the trees and fences to make a magical Winter Wonderland. It was sort of funny coming out to my car after work. The ice had melted off my car just enough to make icicles that went all the way to the ground. I had thought about taking my camera with me to take some Winter pictures but that wouldn't have been very safe would it? Tex Wright did send me a couple of icy photos

Perry Designates Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens, Tax Rebates Emergency Items for Legislature

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today declared legislation authorizing property tax relief for senior citizens and legislation authorizing state tax rebates as emergency items for the 2007 legislative session. The emergency designation will allow lawmakers to begin considering these issues in the initial 30 days of the legislative session.

“I want to see a constitutional amendment on the May ballot so that seniors get the maximum amount of tax relief on this year’s tax bill the same as other homeowners,” Perry said. “Just because senior citizens have their tax rates frozen doesn’t mean they should be left out in the cold when it comes to additional rate relief.”

“To keep government fiscally responsible, state leaders need the authority to rebate surplus funds directly to taxpayers,” Perry said.

The text of the Governor’s message to the House and Senate follows:

I, RICK PERRY, Governor of the State of Texas, pursuant to Article III, Section 5, of the Texas Constitution and by this special message, do hereby submit the following emergency matters for immediate consideration to the Senate and House of Representatives of the 80th Legislature, now convened:

Legislation authorizing the reduction of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for public school purposes on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect any reduction in the rate of those taxes.

Legislation providing that state appropriations made for the purpose of directly reducing local property taxes and state appropriations made for the purpose of returning state funds to the public do not count against the constitutional state spending limit and authorizing the legislature to provide for the grant of public money for the purpose of returning state funds to the public.

EDUCATOR ASTRONAUT BARBARA MORGAN TO MEET STUDENTS AND MEDIA

HOUSTON - NASA's first educator astronaut and former Idaho school teacher Barbara Morgan, set to fly in space this summer, will meet with hundreds of students during "Meet an Astronaut Day" at Space Center Houston Jan. 19. Morgan also will be available for in-person and satellite interviews.

During her session with the students, Morgan will talk about her role on the crew of space shuttle mission STS-118, an International Space Station assembly flight targeted for launch June 28. Also talking with students will be fellow STS-118 crew member Dave Williams and STS-118 flight directors Matt Abbott and Joel Montalbano. Morgan, Williams, Abbott and Montalbano will be available for brief, in-person interviews following the hour-long event.

The full schedule of Jan. 19 activities includes (all times Central):
* 9 a.m.-10 a.m. -- Educator Astronaut Project briefing at Space Center Houston
* 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. -- "Meet an Astronaut Day" event with students
* 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. -- Brief, in-person interviews with Morgan and others
* 4 p.m.-6 p.m.-- Satellite interviews with Morgan (for media not at Johnson)

A native of Fresno, Calif., and a Stanford alumna, Morgan began teaching in 1974. She began working with NASA in 1985, when she was selected as the backup to Christa McAuliffe for the Teacher in Space Program. In that role, Morgan trained with McAuliffe, who was lost with her crew mates in the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in 1986.

Following the accident, Morgan returned to McCall, Idaho, and continued her teaching career, teaching second, third and fourth grades. She also continued a close association with NASA as the Teacher in Space designee, working with NASA's Education Division. In 1998, Morgan was selected by NASA as the first educator astronaut in a new project. The Educator Astronaut Project carries on the objectives of the Teacher in Space Program, seeking to elevate teaching as a profession and inspire students. Unlike the Teacher in Space Program, educator astronauts train and become full-time, permanent astronauts. They fly as crew members with critical mission responsibilities, as well as education-related goals. NASA selected three additional educator astronauts in 2004.

Commanding Morgan's STS-118 mission on the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be U.S. Navy Commander Scott Kelly. The Pilot for the mission is Marine Lt. Col. Charlie Hobaugh. The flight's mission specialists are Morgan, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell, Clay Anderson and Williams, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut. The mission will take Anderson to the International Space Station to begin a stay and return to Earth the station's Expedition 15 Flight Engineer Suni Williams, now on the orbiting laboratory.

During STS-118, Morgan's primary duties will include operating the robotic arms of the shuttle and station as crew members install a new section of the station's girder-like truss and replace a failed gyroscope, among other tasks.

NASA TV will air b-roll of Morgan and the STS-118 crew training, as well as a prerecorded interview with Morgan, beginning Jan. 16. For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about STS-118 and its crew, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

4-H Reminders

by: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

STOCK SHOW REMINDERS

Listed below are County Stock Show Reminders. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY ! If you have any questions about any of the rules of regulations for the County Show, contact the Superintendent of your show, your Ag Science teacher, or the County Extension Agent.

* NO PASS. NO SHOW. Each exhibitor must be academically eligible.

* Rabbits are to be brought to the grounds for judging on Sunday for the County Show, taken home after the show.

* You must be present for weigh-in and sifting your animals at the county stock show. See the show schedule for details. If you miss weigh-in, you will not show.

* 4-H members are required to sell their own animal at the county sale.

* ALL EXHIBITORS ARE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO STAY AFTER THE SALE & HELP CLEAN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS !

* Once livestock are on the grounds at the County Stock Show, they cannot leave without permission of the superintendents. EXCEPTION - Swine may leave Sunday morning for washing.

* SWINE SHOW - Show weights are 150 to 270. In order to consign your pig to the floor, it must weigh 225 to 270 with a 5 pound variance on the TOP only.

* All lambs must be slick shorn by no later than December 31st, in order to show in the Coleman County Stock Show. Lambs & goats may be washed for the county show as long as it is done before arrival on the rodeo grounds.

* All 4-H members must have exhibitor signs on their pens at the County Show. These are available from the County Extension Office or you can find them out in the show barns during the event.

* STEERS - This will be a blow and show exhibition. No adhesives.

* MANDATORY - YOU MUST CLEAN OUT YOUR PEN(S) BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STOCK SHOW GROUNDS AFTER THE STOCK SHOW IS OVER.

2007 County Stock Show Schedule

Monday, January 15, 2007
8:00 a.m. Steer Show
Lamb Show Immediately following Steer Show
Meat Goat Show Immediately following Lamb Show

Tuesday, January 16, 2007
12:00 Noon County Stock Show SALE at Bill Franklin Center

4-H Calendar

JANUARY, 2007
1 HAPPY NEW YEAR !
3-6 Odessa Stock Show
6 Santa Anna Chapter Show
6 Novice Chapter Show
9 Four Leaf Photography Club Meeting
12 Panther Creek Chapter Show
12 Weigh-In for Steers @ Coleman Livestock Auction, 4-6 PM
13 Coleman Chapter Show
13 Weigh-In for County Show (All Livestock) beginning at 3:00 p.m.
14 COUNTY STOCK SHOW (Swine, Rabbits, Little Britches Goat Show)
14 Little Britches Goat Show
15 COUNTY STOCK SHOW (Steers, Lambs, Meat Goats)
16 COUNTY STOCK SHOW-SALE - Bill Franklin Center
24 - Feb. 2 Ft. Worth Stock Show

The Coleman County Extension Office wishes for you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season.

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