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Friday Night Lights - Big Time

"What game did you all end up going to?" Tony said as she handed me the mail last Saturday morning. I was picking up pecans in the front yard when Tony Watson drove up to deliver the mail.

"Cindy and I met at Walmart in Brownwood and it had rained on me all the way from Goldthwaite to Brownwood so we decided to go out and eat Mexican food and listen to the games on the radio instead." I told Tony. The Richland Springs game was on KOXE, the Early game was on KBWD, Goldthwaite was on KXYL, and Zephyr and Gustine were on The Ox in Comanche so I flipped around mostly between KOXE and KXYL.

Starting off with the Winners, in Class 3A - Divison I, Abilene Wylie will defeated Andrews in Sweetwater on Friday. Connie Culpepper Massey's son, Cody Williams, is a Senior at Abilene Wylie this year and is a starting Defensive Tackle for those Bulldogs at 6'3" and 265 pounds.

Connie sent me this message and photo:

Ribbon Cutting

There will be a ribbon cutting for the Humane Society of Coleman County Thrift Shop at 109 West Pecan in Coleman at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, Dec. 7.

FIVE HOLIDAY SCAMS TEXANS SHOULD AVOID

By Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott

With Texans across the state preparing holiday meals and shopping for gifts, a few con artists are dusting off old scams and looking for new victims. Over the next few weeks, consumers should avoid five popular holiday scams: gift card scams; online shopping schemes; phony charities; credit repair scams; and spam e-mail and other unsolicited offers.

Gift card scams. Scam artists often take advantage of gift cards by writing down or memorizing the serial numbers on the face of the card while the cards are still displayed in the store. When an unsuspecting consumer purchases and activates the card, the scammer simply calls the card’s customer service number, verifies it is active, and uses the memorized serial number to make online purchases. Sadly, it’s often days or weeks before the legitimate buyer learns that the card balance was drained by a thief.

To avoid scammers who drain gift card balances, consumers should ask a store clerk to provide them with a gift card from behind a counter or one that has not otherwise been accessible to the general public. Some gift cards have additional security measures, such as scratch off codes, so consumers should always verify that no one has tampered with a card or its packaging.

Online shopping schemes. Consumers should never respond to bulk e-mails that offer merchandise, travel deals or solicit charitable contributions. Crooks often set up Web sites that look like they sell products or collect money for charities when, in fact, all they do is collect credit card numbers, take the money and run. Consumers should always verify a Web site’s security status before placing an order. Online shoppers also should consider using a credit card for online purchases. Paying by credit card often provides an extra layer of protection making it easier for consumers to dispute unauthorized charges or undelivered products.

Bogus charities. Charitable giving is commendable, but consumers should ask questions before donating to a telephone or door-to-door solicitor: Does the solicitor have identification? How will contributions be used? Texans also should independently check what they are told about the organization and make sure their gifts will count. To verify an organization’s legitimacy, donors can contact www.give.org. This Web site is maintained by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to promote wise charitable giving. Consumers also should confirm the tax-exempt status of any organization before they reach for their wallets.

Credit repair scams. Online or in the classifieds, credit repair offers often guarantee consumers loans despite their poor credit ratings; all consumers have to do is pay an upfront “processing fee.” These offers are invariably a form of advance fee fraud, so Texans should steer clear of them. Consumers who need extra money over the holidays should visit a local lender in person.

Unsolicited offers. The best way to guard against scams and swindles is simple: Never respond to unsolicited offers. Consumers should never respond to spam e-mails sent by strangers or unfamiliar companies.

Consumers should also be skeptical of unsolicited telephone offers. Even if the caller claims to represent a trusted company or pitches an interesting offer, Texans should hang up and call the well-known company directly using a number that appears in the local telephone directory. This simple precaution ensures that consumers are talking to an actual company representative.

Fraudulent offers also can arrive in the mail. As tempting as it sounds, consumers can rest assured they did NOT win the Spanish lottery, the Canadian lottery, or any other foreign lottery just in time for the holidays. Texans should be extremely wary of cashier’s checks sent by people they do not know and should never provide their personal financial information to unfamiliar solicitors.

Con artists tend to spend money just as fast as they steal it, so money lost in these or similar scams is difficult to recover. Prevention is a critical factor in stopping thieves in their tracks. By taking a few simple precautions, Texans can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

POINTS TO REMEMBER
Avoid Holiday Scams
• JUST HANG UP on unsolicited telephone offers.
• Avoid sweepstakes, lottery and other advance fee schemes.
• Approach a local lender if you need to secure a holiday loan – be wary of unsolicited credit repair offers.
• Ask questions before making a charitable contribution.
• Verify a Web site’s security before ordering merchandise online.
• Be a smart shopper when buying gift cards.

To verify a charitable organization’s legitimacy, visit www.give.org.

To learn more about safe holiday shopping and how to avoid common consumer scams, contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011 or visit www.oag.state.tx.us.

Attorney General Abbott Takes Action Against Web Sites That Illegally Collect Personal Information From Minors

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Millions of children registered with the popular sites; Texas first state to take action under COPPA

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today took legal action against two Web sites that cater to children but fail to adequately protect their privacy and safety. Texas is the first state to file an enforcement action under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law that generally prohibits Web sites from unnecessarily collecting personal information from children under 13.

According to Attorney General investigators, TheDollPalace.com and Gamesradar.com unlawfully collect personal information such as names, ages, and home addresses from children. Investigators also discovered that the sites’ parental consent features were easily manipulated and circumvented. The lack of reasonable controls readily allow children to access the sites’ various features, including interactive chat rooms and forums, without their parents’ knowledge.

“These defendants are charged with operating child-oriented Web sites that violate the law by failing to protect young users,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Federal law provides important protections to prevent children from divulging sensitive personal information and to shield them from inappropriate sexual or violent content online. The Office of the Attorney General will continue aggressively enforcing laws to protect young Internet users.”

Both Web sites violate COPPA by failing to include necessary disclosures and failing to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children. TheDollPalace.com, for example, simply asks young users who are attempting to register, “Is a parent with you right now?” Children who click “Yes” are directed to a page that allows them to simply click “OK” to vague disclosures regarding information collection and use. Gamesradar.com similarly fails to properly obtain parental consent.

Under COPPA, these Web sites must make a greater effort to ensure that parents consent to their children providing personal information online. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers several options for Web site operators to obtain verifiable parental consent. Among them, the FTC recommends that Web sites maintain a toll-free telephone number staffed by trained personnel for parents to call in their consent or provide a form for the parent to print, complete, sign, and mail or fax back to Web site operators.

Investigators also found that the sites allow children to access potentially inappropriate content. TheDollPalace.com allows users to access chat rooms and interactive forums that discuss topics parents may find inappropriate for young children.

COPPA further prohibits sites from requiring children to disclose excessive personal information as a precondition to participating in online games and features. Today’s enforcement action alleges that TheDollPalace.com requires children to fill out a 10-page personal profile in order to meet other site users and “search for friends.” The questionnaire asks children for detailed personal information, such as height, weight and eye color, and personal habits, including smoking and drinking behaviors. It also asks children about the type of person they would like to meet, including the options, “I would like to meet someone older than myself,” “My idea of a fun date,” and “sexual issues.” Despite collecting this detailed information, much of it does not appear on the user’s profile nor is it otherwise used for purposes of allowing users to meet and interact.

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In light of today’s enforcement actions, Attorney General Abbott reminded parents to closely monitor their children’s Internet activities by using the following safety tips:

• Teach children never to give out personal information such as their last name, birthday, home address or telephone number, especially in a chat room, over an online bulletin board, or to an online pen pal, without your permission.
• Make sure your children know never to agree to a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online.
• Instruct your children never to respond to e-mail or chat messages that make them feel uncomfortable or from someone they don’t know. Stress that they should show such messages to you.
• Surf the Internet with your kids. If it is not possible for you to actually surf with your children, at least talk to them about the Web sites they are visiting.
• Place the computer in a public room in your home so that even when you are not surfing online with your children, you can monitor their use. Do not allow computers in a child’s bedroom or permit the use of Web cams.
• Establish ground rules for your children’s Internet usage, including the hours they may surf and the kinds of Web sites they may visit. Post the rules near the computer.
• Learn how to use parental controls and archiving features. You should be able to check your child’s e-mail account and review the sites your child has visited on the Internet.

To find out more about Attorney General Abbott’s efforts to protect children and crack down on online predators, visit the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.

Robinetts Celebrate Sixty-Five Years

Cindy and I, along with most of the rest of the Robinetts, joined the Northside Baptist Church family in recognizing Robert and Maggie Robinett celebrate sixty-five years of marriage this past Sunday during morning services at the Church.

My friend, Brother Marvin Hale, Pastor of Northside Baptist, led a special service honoring Robert and Maggie for their many years together and for service to the Church.

I always like to hear Marvin preach because he is so filled with the Spirit. There is nothing like hearing him preach about two very special people to the Robinett and Northside Baptist Families.

The service was followed by an Underwoods barbeque lunch for the Church and family hosted by the Robinett children; Linda White, Jean Findley, Gail Horner, and David Robinett. Underwoods barbeque has long been a favorite of Grandpa Robinett's and I am sure it is of Grandma's too since she doesn't have to cook!

Congratulations to Robert and Maggie, Grandpa and Grandma Robinett, for their sixty years of marriage.

A special thanks to Marvin and the Northside Baptist Family for honoring these so dear to us.

Christmas Tour of Churches

Cindy and I missed the Christmas Tour of Churches due to a company Christmas party in Goldthwaite that we went to.

I am not sure how much money was raised for the renovation of the First Christian Church but I heard it was a big success.

The First Christian Church is one of Santa Anna's oldest buildings and has a Texas historical marker. It is in need of a new roof and some other major repairs.

It only has a few members remaining that meet a couple of times a month for bible study.

Billed as the suggested last stop on the Tour, the First Christian Church was also where the Heartland Harmonizers put on a concert.

Thanks to Stephanie Dane who shared these photos with us...

Historical Commission Meeting

Submitted by Tex Wright

The Annual Christmas meeting of the Coleman County Historical Commission will be on Thursday December 8th starting about the time the Coleman Christmas Parade is over.

A short business meeting will be held concerning replacing officers who are resigning and upcoming programs.

All members and friends of the commission are invited.

The meeting will be in the First Coleman National Bank Club Room.

2007 Coleman Lighted Christmas Parade

The 2007 Coleman Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled for 6 o’clock this Thursday evening in downtown Coleman, with a theme of "Cowboy Christmas ". Lineup will be no later than 5:30 at the Courthouse Square. Three divisions will be judged: Floats, Other Decorated Vehicles, and Walkers, Bicycles, etc.

No Santa’s are allowed on floats for the safety of children, those with floats, etc. are asked to please not throw candy.

Starting point for the parade is the Courthouse. From there it will travel south to the signal light at Walnut, turnaround and return back to the Courthouse.

Following the Christmas Parade, Santa will be at the Chamber office, 218 Commercial Ave. to visit with the young and young-at-heart to hear their Christmas wish lists. He will be making return visits to the Chamber office on the two following Thursdays. December 13th and December 20th, from 5:30 to 7 pm. All children are invited to stop by and visit with Santa on either of the two days he will be in town.

CCMC Auxiliary Tour of Homes

Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary will host a Christmas Tour of Homes on Sunday afternoon, December 9th from 2 until 5 pm. Tickets, at a cost of $7.00 per person, are available at the Coleman County Medical Center Gift Shop, from any Auxiliary member or at the door of each home on tour day.

Homes listed on the tour are as follows: LaNell Jacoby at 1301 Hillcrest Dr., Paul Wheat at 600 Rio Grande, Jim and Linda Hyde at 1203 Hillcrest Drive, Yvonnne Sims and Joe Langehenning at 312 Hollywood, and Richard and Sharlene Hetzel at 502 High Road.

Coleman County Retired Teachers

The Coleman County Retired Teachers collected and presented storybooks to Pre-K students at Coleman Headstart, Coleman , Santa Anna , Novice and Panther Creek elementary schools. The Texas Retired Teachers sponsor this program annually to promote and foster a love of reading for young children.

Jake McCreary

It is with great sadness that I tell you of the passing of Jake McCreary. Jake passed away Sunday at the Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Jake was a long time County Commissioner, a farmer, and rancher. But, he was also long time friend of mine and Cindy's. I grew up on the other side of a fence from Mr. Jake. I really came to know him as more than a neighbor when I was in Lion's Club with him in the 80's. Lion Jake was certainly a Tail Twister, a Lion Tamer, and the best pancake batter mixer.

Services are schdeuled for 2:00 PM Tuesday at the Rockwood Baptist Church under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home. See ColemanNews.com Obituaries for a complete obituary.

We will miss him... gone but not forgetten, Jake McCreary.

PRESENTATION ON COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID SCHEDULED

On Monday, December 3, Jim Glossbrenner, a college financial aid consultant, will present information on the financial aid process that you and your child will begin next month. The workshop will be held in the SAISD library beginning at 6:30 p.m. This information will be relevant to all levels of education, technical school to four-year University. Topics to be addressed include the Pell Grant Application form, scholarships, loans and the loan procedure, and financial aid scams. The program should last approximately one hour, with time for individual help and/or questions to follow. Refreshments will be provided.

This workshop information will be applicable to any school, university, or training program after high school. It will be especially helpful in reference to the Pell Grant application, which is the common starting point for all financial aid. Also information will be available concerning area colleges and universities. If you have questions about this important workshop, please contact the counselor at 348-3136, during school hours.

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Coleman Lions Club Pancake Feast

The Coleman noon and Evening Lions Clubs will get together for their annual Pancake Feast on Thursday, December 6 and Saturday, December 8. Tickets will be $5.00 per person and can be purchased from any Lions Club member or at the door.

The location is the old Berry Hardward building (west of the Courthouse). The Lions will be flipping pancakes, serving ham, coffee, milk, and water, starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday evening, a great way to enjoy supper before or after the lighted Christmas parade.

On Saturday, a Pancake Breakfast will start at 6:00 am.

Proceeds allow the local chapters to help in various ways in their own community.

Cattle Women's Christmas Ball Dec. 8th at Bill Franklin Center

The Circle C CattleWomen's organization is completing plans for the annual Cattlewomen's Christmas Ball, to be held Saturday evening, December 8th at the Bill Franklin Center (Rodeo Grounds) in Coleman at 6:30 p.m.

Crystal Rae is general chairman of the Ball, which is a popular event for many area people and a major fundraiser for the women's organization. Proceeds of the event are used by the CattleWomen's organization to help promote and support beef through various local projects such as donating scholarships to Coleman County High School graduates who apply and are majoring in Agriculture; and awarding money to each beef exhibitor in the county 4-H livestock shows. They also support local area brisket cook offs such as the Fiesta De La Paloma and the Santa Anna Frontier Days. The CattleWomen also sponsor National CattleWomen's Beef Certificates, Beef for Father's Day at Shoppin Basket and other projects.

The dinner will be catered by Home Creek Cookin' of Valera, with special desserts provided by ladies of the organization. The popular Kelly Spinks & the Miles of Texas band will play for dancing and entertainment following the meal.

Also included in the evening's entertainment will be an auction of special items and a silent auction of different gift items and specialty Western goods.

Tickets to this fundraiser event are $30.00 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the Coleman Chamber of Commerce or from any Circle C CattleWomen member. Only 250 tickets will be sold so make sure you get yours before they are all gone. Be sure to note the last day to purchase tickets is November 30th, so find a cattlewoman quickly to make sure you don't miss this great event.

Everyone in the Coleman County and the surrounding area is invited to attend this special event. Hope to see you there.

Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

The Haskell Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will be held on December 8th at 6p.m in downtown Haskell TX. Lighted floats, high school bands and Santa Claus will be wishing young and old a very Merry Christmas Season. Area merchants will be open for holiday shopping, while visitors enjoy Christmas stories, Carolers and Santa on the Square. For more information please contact Sally Rueffer at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 940 864-2477.

DECEMBER CEU OPPORTUNITY

Contributed by Luther Dunlap CEA-Ag/NR Coleman County

The annual fall CEU conference will be held December 13, at the Taylor County Extension Office in Abilene, beginning at 7:30 AM. The session will award 5 CEUs to holders of a Texas Department of Agriculture Applicator License. These include: 3 General, 1 Integrated Pest Management, 1 Laws & Regulations and 1 Drift Minimization. If preregistered by December 7, the cost will be $20.00. After this date and at the door, the cost will be $30.00. Refreshments and lunch are included in the registration.
7:30 AM Registration
8:15 AM What is IPM & What is Not IPM Dr. Edsel Bynum, Extension Agent, IPM
9:15 AM Texas Herbicide Laws Jan Hatler, Inspector TDA
10:15 AM BREAK
10:30 AM What is Drift Minimization & How to Prevent It Dr. Billy Warrick, Extension Agronomist
11:30 AM LUNCH
12:30 PM Minimizing Ag Chemical Exposure to Wildlife Dr. Dale Rollins, Extension Wildlife Specialist
1:30 PM Accurate Recommendations - Where Do I Find Them? Dr. Allan McGinty, Extension Range Specialist

To register, send a check, made payable to Program Council, to:
Taylor County Extension
1982 Lytle Way
Abilene, TX 79602

Please include name(s) and address(es) of those who will be attending. For additional information call the Taylor County Extension office at 325-672-6048.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aid or accommodation are asked to contact the Taylor County Extension office one week in advance of the program.

COLEMAN CAREER CENTER
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

CLASS	DAYS	TIMES
Work Skills Assessments	Mon & Tues	5:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Work Skills Training	Mon & Tues	5:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Career Skills	Mon & Tues	5:30 - 8:30 P.M.
Basic Computer Skills	Mon & Tues	5:30 - 8:30 P.M.
English as a Second Language	Tues & Thur	4:00 - 5:30 P.M. Updated
English as a Second Language	Wed	7:30 - 9:00 P.M.Updated

All classes are located in the Coleman High School Technology Annex Building. Please contact the Coleman Career Center for further information to register for these classes.

Phone: 325-625-2658

**The Coleman Career Center will observe all Coleman ISD Holidays

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