paw press press - itasca isd · press release itasca 2008 cinco de ... summer gonzales has cut 11...

Paw Print Press Proudly Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997

Itasca, Texas 76055 Vol. 2008 Issue #33 August 15, 2008

Cinco de Mayo Duchess Donates Tresses

Press Release

Itasca 2008 Cinco de Mayo Duchess Summer Gonzales has cut 11 inches of her hair to donate to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. “We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics,” Locks of Love CEO said. “Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.” It takes at least 6 ponytails 10 inches or longer to create a wig. Most beauty salons have the information and address for Locks of Love or you can go on their website. “I encourage others to donate their hair and go for a new hairstyle,” Summer said. “The hair will help someone else feel good about themselves.”

Remember Sales Tax Holiday August 15-17, 2008

Shoppers get a break from state & local sales taxes on August 15, 16 & 17. Lay-away plans can be used to take advantage of the sales tax holiday. It begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 15, and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 17. There are no changes in the IISD dress codes. No flip flops, no high heels, no sagging and no sleeveless garments.

Johnson Receives Hill County Bar Association Scholarship

Attorney Stephanie Johnson presented Zac Johnson (no relation) a $500 scholarship from the Hill County Bar Association. On hand for the presentation was IHS Principal Rickie Harris.

Tae Kwon Do School Presents Academic Awards

(Top row l to r) Charles Kight-Certified Black Belt and Instructor, Hunter Toliver-Alvarado, Aireil Toliver-Alvarado, Lesley Ramirez-Hillsboro, Allena Heath-Milford, Kevin Devers-West, Kathryn Devers-West, Caleb Giles-Hillsboro, Jose Orosco-Hillsboro and Master Kevin Kight-4th Degree Black Belt and Certified Instructor. Bottom row (l to r) Quetzaly Benitez-Hillsboro, Lindsi Price-Hillsboro, Jacob Jean-Blum, Diana Ortiz-Hillsboro, Tiffany Bolden-Hillsboro, Harley Snider-Itasca, Austin Rodriquez-Mertens, Bailey Vanderzwart-Bynum, Emmanuel Squarez-Hillsboro, and Brandon Heintz-Cleburne. Missing from picture - Heather and Megan Odom- Itasca.

Continued on page 4.

August 15, 2008 Paw Print Press

Churches of Itasca Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 3rd Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 Itasca Nursing Home Sunday - 10:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome Monday Evening 6:00 p.m.

Central Baptist Church Sunday: Praise and Worship 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. R.A.’s & G.A.’s (1st-6th) - Youth (7th-12th) 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday - Ladies’ Bible Study 10:45-12:15 p.m. Wednesday - Supper 6:00 p.m. ($2.00 ea. w/$10.00 max/family) Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 p.m.

Youth (7th-12th) 7:00 - Kids’ Choir 7:00 p.m. website - itascacbc.org

First United Methodist Church Come join us in our beautiful, historic sanctuary, where worship is a joyous celebration.

Main @ King St. 254-687-2475 Rev. Tom Wood, Pastor Worship 10:50 a.m.

Itasca Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla St.

Joshua and the children of Israel were commanded to march around Jericho once each day for 6 days, and 7 times followed by loud horn blasts and shouting on the 7th day. The walls of Jericho fell on the completion of the directives - not on any of the 1st - 6th days.

COMPLETE OBEDIENCE Naaman the leper was commanded to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times. He did not receive cleansing on dips 1 - 6; he was cleansed only on the seventh dip.

COMPLETE OBEDIENCE Where do you stand with God? If you are unsure, please come study and worship with us, and let's learn of complete obedience.

Sunday 9:45 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm Wed. 6:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church 9:00 Praise & Worship (Sanctuary) Cross Roads Band

9:15 - 9:45 Fellowship Time in Barton Hall 9:45 - 10:30 Sunday School all Ages (Nursery - Srs)

10:50 - Praise and Worship - 11:00 - Worship Service Hour of Power 7 - 12 grades Sun. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Barton Hall

Exercise Classes- Sr. Citizens Tues. &Thurs. 10 a.m. Game Night –3rd Tuesday Night – 6:00 p.m.

Angel Food Ministry Host Site - 687-2243 www.fpcitasca.org.

Itasca Zoning Committee Meeting 2nd Monday of Month 6:00 p.m. - 136 N. Hill St.

Itasca City Council Meeting Monday, August 18, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. - 136 N. Hill St.

Itasca ISD School Board Meeting September 8, 2008 7:00 p.m.

IISD Administration Building - 123 N College St.

Chamber of Commerce Meeting Monday, August 25, 2008 5:30 p.m.

HILCO Operations Building E. Main St.

Volunteer Fire Department Meetings 2nd Monday of Month Business Meeting - 7:00 p.m. 3rd Monday of Month Fire Training - 7:00 p.m.

Special Education ARD Training Meeting

Itasca ISD will conduct training for parents at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2008 (immediately prior to “Meet the Teacher Night” at 7:00 p.m.) concerning the ARD process and the Rights and in Responsibilities of a special education student and their parents. The training will be held in the library and will be conducted in English and Spanish. This training will be offered twice every scholastic year. The anticipated date for the second training is Monday, February 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the library. A reminder will be sent before the February session. Please feel free to attend one or both sessions. If you cannot attend but have questions please contact Kimberly Sampson, Director of Special Education at (254) 687-2922.

Public Notice First day to file for a place on the ballot for the Itasca Municipal Election on November 4, 2008 to elect two Council members and a Mayor was July 27, 2008. The last day to file for a place on the ballot is August 26, 2008. First day to file for a place on the ballot for the Itasca ISD Board of Trustees Election on November 4, 2007 to elect two Trustees was July 27, 2008. The last day to file for a place on the ballot is August 26, 2008.

Darcy's Country Cuts HCR 4114 - Itasca off Hwy 81 & FM 67

254-854-3087 Call for appointments

Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Hair Cuts $8.00

http://www.fpcitasca.org/


2009 Veterans, Military Construction Bill Passes House Respects Service of Troops, Veterans, & Builds on Historic 2008 Funding Increases

Press Release from Chet Edwards

U.S. Representative Chet Edwards announced that the House passed its Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill in a strong bipartisan vote 409 to 4. The 2009 bill builds on the historic in-creases for veterans and troops passed into law last year, which was the largest funding increase in the 77-year his-tory of the Veterans Administration. “This bipartisan bill builds on the historic increases in the fiscal year 2008 bill and sends a clear message to Amer-ica’s troops, veterans, and their families that we honor and respect their service and sacrifice,” said Edwards, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. “This biparti-san bill will also have a positive impact on the quality of care Texas veterans receive in VA hospitals and clinics, in-cluding the Waco VA. “This is about the moral responsibility of keeping our promises to those who have kept their promise to serve. It is about the young father in a wheelchair I met at Walter Reed Army Medical Center just two weeks ago. He lost both of his legs in combat in Iraq. As he sat there talking to me with his young son in his lap, I could not help but be over-whelmed by the lifelong sacrifice this father had made to try to make the world a safer place for my two young sons and children everywhere. This bill is about seeing that that loving father doesn’t have to give up the dreams he has for his child. The humility of this bill is our knowing that we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe this soldier, and all who have served in uniform to protect the American family. “Honoring our troops, our veterans and their families in a meaningful way is not only the right thing to do. It is the smart thing to do. In an all-volunteer military force, the best in the world, we cannot expect to attract and retain the best and brightest if we do not provide quality housing, health care and education for our military troops and their families and if we do not keep the promises we have made to our veterans. “The bottom line is this bill is about maintaining a strong national defense, improving military readiness and re-specting with word and deeds those who defend us and our freedom,” said Edwards. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) said the bill “sends a clear message to America’s veter-ans, service members and their families that Congress recognizes and appreciates their service to this country and the sacrifices they have made on its behalf. The improvements it would make in troop housing and health care for veterans are much needed and reaffirm that these are truly priorities.” Overall, the bill totals $118.7 billion and provides $72.7 billion in discretionary spending, $47.7 billion for the De-partment of Veterans Affairs, $24.8 billion for Military Construction, Family Housing and BRAC, and $241 million for related agencies. It is $3.4 billion more than the President’s request and $8.8 billion more than the historic fiscal year 2008 bill. Department Of Veterans Affairs: $47.7 billion, $4.6 billion above 2008 and $2.9 billion over the President’s re-quest, for veterans’ medical care, claims processors, and facility improvements. The Veterans Health Administration estimates they will treat more than 5.8 million patients in 2009 including more than 333,275 veterans of Iraq and Af-ghanistan (40,000 more than 2008). Some notable provisions include:

• Mental Health Care: Dedicate a minimum of $3.8 billion, $900 million more than 2008, to specialty mental health ser-vices for veterans with mental illness, PTSD, and for suicide prevention.

• Priority 8 Veterans: $568 million to increase enrollment of Priority 8 (low to middle income) veterans by 10 percent; • Mileage Reimbursement: Increased funding to raise the gas mileage reimbursement rate from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents

per mile for veterans traveling distances for care, and a freeze on the associated deductible • Claims Processors: Increased funding to hire 2,100 additional claims processors to work down the backlog of 390,000

benefits claims and to reduce the 6 month time to process new claims • Rural Veterans: $200 million more to provide increased access to local health care providers for veterans and Guard

and Reserve members living far away from VA facilities in rural areas • Maintenance: $300 million more to address the backlog in maintenance at VA medical facilities to prevent another Wal-

ter Reed Annex 18 tragedy. • Prosthetics: $116 million more to increase availability of new generation prosthetics; • Research: $58 million more for medical research in trauma, traumatic brain injury, mental health and other areas that

are critical to finding the best treatments for our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. • Homeless Veterans: $130 million to provide the additional case workers and medical services needed for our homeless

veterans; Continued on page 4.


Military Spending Bill Passes Continued from page 3.

• Oversight: Additional $11 million for the Office of Inspector General to provide additional personnel to inspect the com-munity based outpatient clinics and Vet Centers to avoid a Walter Reed scandal in the VA system.

• Construction: Increases Department of Veterans Affairs Con-struction by $1 billion above the president’s request, which will provide the needed funding for 6 additional major con-struction projects and an additional 145 minor construction projects that can be completed at VA facilities in fiscal year 2009.

Military Construction: $24.8 billion, $400 million above the President’s request and $4.2 billion above 2008. The large in-crease is mostly due to the costs of implementing Base Realign-ment and Closure (BRAC) and plans to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps. Some notable provisions include:

• 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and Re-stationing: $9.1 billion, $1.8 billion above 2008 and the same as the President’s request, to implement base closures and re-alignments, and support the re-stationing of 70,000 troops and their families from overseas to the United States.

• Quality of Life Initiative: $336 million, not requested by the President, to continue a quality of life initiative for troops and their families started in the 2008 supplemental including: nearly $200 million for five new trainee and recruit housing facilities for the Army and Marine Corps to improve the bar-racks soldiers and marines live in when they train; and $136 million for medical military construction and planning activi-ties to upgrade substandard medical treatment facilities.

• Growing the Force: $5.6 billion in military construction and family housing, to increase the size of the Army by 65,000, the Marine Corps by 27,000, and the Guard and Reserve by 9,200 personnel.

• Military Housing: $3.2 billion, $300 million above 2008, to further eliminate inadequate military housing.

In his first year as Chairman in 2007, Congressman Edwards authored historic increases of $11.8 billion in veterans’ health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration.

Tae Kwon Do Academic Awards Continued from page 1

The Hillsboro Unified Tae Kwon Do School at 125 W Elm St. in Hillsboro, Texas awarded students for their good grades dur-ing the 2007-2008 school year. Students who were enrolled in Tae Kwon Do at the beginning of the school year and who re-ceived all A's and B's were presented 3 foot trophy at the recent grading in Hillsboro, Texas. Classes are taught Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs-day nights at 4:45, 5:45 and 6:45. The first two classes are free and parents are always welcome. If you are looking for a way to help your child to become more physically fit, more focused in school and perhaps help with self-discipline, respect and much more call 254-582-5111 for a free informational brochure. The fall session is forming and classes will begin September 15.

One of Paw Pals’ Best Dianna Prince

Press Release

Paw Pals recently honored Dianna with dinner at El Conquistador Restaurant in Hillsboro. Pic-tured (left to right - front row) Maureen Werr, Loraine Easterling, Kathy Moore, Dianna Prince, Lea Slocum, and Jane Green. Back row: Karon Stone, Lana Crow, Jim Stone, Dana Fuchs, Betty Hendricks, Mike Hendricks, Marilyn Kerr, George Kerr, and Cecil Green (Scott Werr not pictured). This article is specifically to honor Dianna Prince who will be moving from Hillsboro this summer. Perhaps one of the most valued contri-butions one can make to their community is to volunteer valued personal time in an endeavor to improve lives of all citizens. Dianna accom-plished this repeatedly in her volunteer work with Hill County Paw Pals—she is an embodi-ment of everything a community needs in a citi-zen. Dianna’s main passion has been focused on the correction of our county’s pet overpopulation issue. Dianna became heavily involved with Paw Pals’ sponsored Low Cost Sterilization and Vac-cination Clinic where she worked up to 12 hour days during each of her 41 service days. Working in the recovery area of the clinic became Dianna’s niche and her nursing background proved to be an invaluable asset. Last month, this clinic reached a major milestone with over 1,500 pet sterilizations—thus directly preventing some 12,000 unwanted pets in our county. Dianna’s commitment and devotion to this cause will continue to be far reaching for years to come. For more information about this group can be found on their websites www.hcpawpals.org or www.helphillcountyanimals.com or by calling (254) 580-0679.


Cody Allen Memorial Scholarship

Ag Teacher and FFA Sponsor Bill Nickell presented Terrey Brumbalow with the Cody Allen Memorial Scholar-ship. The scholarship was established in memory of Cody Allen who was killed in 1996 in a vehicle accident.

4-H Scholarship

Lauren Vinson received a $500 Hill County 4-H Scholarship. Lauren has been very active in 4-H, especially the photography contests. Her photos have advanced to the national competition during the last two years.

Volunteers Needed! Meals on Wheels

Three volunteers are needed to spend 20 minutes per week to help deliver Meals on Wheels. Please call 687-2310 between 10:15 am and 12:30 pm Mon-day thru Thursday. Please help.

Drop Off School Supplies at Citizen State Bank

Itasca Nursing Home Volunteer Scholarships

Nursing home Director Dianne Taylor presented Jessie Grindele and GiGi Morgan with Nursing Home Scholarships in apprecia-tion of their volunteerism during the various events held at the nursing home.

IHS Student Council Scholarships

StuCo sponsor Mrs. Sally Crouch pre-sented (left to right) Kristen Rivera, Nick Worth, Lindsey Laird, Ashlee Carranza, Val-erie Farquhar, Terrey Brumbalow and Jamie Hanes $200 Student Council Scholarships.

Judges Needed for Annual Barbecue Cook-Off

Judges are being sought for the annual Go Texan/Cotton Pickin’ Fair barbecue cook-off to be held Saturday, September 13, in Hills-boro. Judging in the cook-off will be as follows: chicken-noon, pork spareribs-1:30 p.m., bris-ket-3 p.m. and Go Texan division-spareribs-3:30 p.m. All judging will take place behind the MKT Depot on North Covington Street. To volunteer as a judge, contact Lea Sand-ers at 254-687-2331, extension 1126.

Community Work Day Set

for Itasca Cemetery

Press Release

The Itasca Cemetery Association is requesting volunteers to help clean up our cemetery before homecoming. Homecom-ing is not only a time to visit and reminisce with friends and loved ones, but also to visit those friends and loved ones who have passed on. We would like our cemetery to look nice and show how we take pride not only in our town, but in our ceme-tery as well. We hope to see everyone there! The workday is set for Saturday September 6, 2008. Come early and bring your weed eaters. Lunch will be furnished for all volunteers. Please call 254-687-2811 to let us get an es-timated head count for lunch.

Entertainment Sought For Go

Texan/Fair

Entertainment acts are being sought for the annual Go Tex-an/Cotton Pickin’ Fair to be held in Hillsboro Saturday, September 13. The event will be held on the courthouse square in downtown Hillsboro from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, contact Mike Baker at 254-576-2480.


#4 List Of Delinquent Taxpayers Due to the recent publication of the delinquent tax-payers’ lists, a few concerns have been brought to the attention of the city tax collector. Should you feel that the information that is or was printed in the Paw Print Press is inaccurate, please contact the City of Itasca Tax Collector, Sue Comer at 687-2201. Changes to the city tax roll can only be corrected and/or changed through the Hill County Appraisal District. Marvin & Tammy Hyder Josie Jones Oscar West Est Tony Arellano Eddie Roberson Charles Jackson Frank Phillips Cesaro Lara Silas Shaw Jimmy Arellano K D Properties Johnnie Russell

Albert English Tom Hyder Est Alice Jackson Sue Machate Lillie Lowe D Jackson Mrs Rufus Brunson Zelma Williams Ella Queen Willie Paul Moore Lola Proctor Anita T Lara Richard J Howard Lucille Howard Ramona Sue Leonforte Martin Isaacs Veronica Howard Mrs Earl Jackson

Volunteers Needed For Meals on Wheels Three volunteers are needed to spend 20 minutes per week to help deliver Meals on Wheels. Please call 687-2310 between 10:15 am and 12:30 pm Monday thru Thursday. Please help.


Itasca Wampus Cat 2008 Football Schedule

August 16 Wampus Cats @ Grandview Away Scrimmage 8:00 a.m. August 21 Wampus Cats - Rio Vista – Mildred Home Scrimmage 5:30 p.m. August 29 Wampus Cats @ Holland Away 7:30 p.m. September 5 Wampus Cats vs. Rice Home 7:30 p.m. September 12 Wampus Cats vs. Dallas Gateway Home 7:30 p.m. September 19 Wampus Cats vs. Meridian Homecoming 7:30 p.m. September 26 Wampus Cats vs. ***Axtell Home 7:30 p.m. October 3 Wampus Cats @ ***Hubbard Away 7:30 p.m. October 10 Wampus Cats vs. ***Wortham Home 7:30 p.m. October 17 Wampus Cats @ ***Dawson Away 7:30 p.m. October 24 Open October 31 Wampus Cats vs. ***Frost Home 7:30 p.m. November 7 Wampus Cats @ ***Italy Away 7:30 p.m. *** - District


Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technology (Vocational) Education Programs

Itasca Independent School District offers career and technology education programs in Agricultural Science, Business Education, and Diversified Career Preparation. Admission to these programs is open to all Itasca ISD enrolled secondary students and is based on student interest. Itasca ISD provides a free, appropriate education consisting of regular or special education and related aids and services in Career and Technology Education programs that are designed to meet individual educational needs of disabled persons as adequately as the needs of non-disabled persons. It is the policy of Itasca ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Ti-tle IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of Itasca ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and section 504 of the Rehabili-tation Act of 1973, as amended. Itasca ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX and 504 Coordinator, Mr. Glenn Pittman, at 123 N. College, Itasca, TX 76055, and 254-687-2922.

Notificación de No Discriminar en los Programas de carreras y educación de technología

Itasca ISD ofrece programas vocacionales en la ciencia de agricultura, la ciencia de technologia, la preparación de carreras diversas. La admisión a estos programas está abierta a todos los estudiantes de Itasca High School y se basa en el interes del estudiante. Itasca ISD provide una educación gratis y apropriada consistiendo de una educación regular o especial y asis-tencias y servicios en el programa de CATE que han sido hecho para las necesidades individuales de las personas de inhabilidades tan adecuadas como las necesidades de las personas que no tiene inhabilidades. Es norma de Itasca ISD no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen, nacionalidad, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios or actividades vocacionales, tal como lo requieren el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, y las sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. Itasca ISD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que le falta de habilidad en el uso de la lengua inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales. Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX y Sección 504, Mr. Glenn Pittman, en 123 N. College St., Itasca, TX 76055, 254-687-2922.

Early Childhood Intervention Program

Public Service Announcement

Do you know a child from birth to age 3 who is behind other children their age in learning how to sit up, walk, talk, or understand what others say? Call Itasca ISD Special Education Department at 687-2922 ext. 114. Intervención Temprana Infancia (ECI) ofrece un sistema estatal de servicos para el niño menos de tres años que en camparación con otros niños de su edad, presenta un retraso al sentarse, caminar, hablar, o entender lo que lo dicen. Llame a 687-2922 ext. 114.

Leaving Town & Need Pet Care at your Home?

Call Ben Maddox - 6th Grader 254-687-2344

For Sale Dining Table with two leaves and 4 chairs

Old, but good condition. Dark wood veneer $45.00 Call 254-687-2344

Elementary School Registration New Students - Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Documents required: Social Security Card, Immunization Record, Birth Certificate, previous year’s report card and proof of residence in Itasca ISD school district. Students who are 4 on or before Sep-tember 1, 2008 are eligible for Pre Kindergarten. If you attended Itasca Elementary last year, you do not need to register.


Do You Remember...?–“Files Valley” Columnist Carl Sweeney (Westberry picture from Mrs. Mary Crouch)

David Sydney Files was born September 1, 1805 in Pendleton District of South Carolina. His family then moved to Georgia. He married Sarah Ann Smith in 1828 at about age 30. They moved to Mississippi for about a year. In 1837 they came to Texas, first to

Montgomery County. They had trouble with the Indians there. After the Fort Parker Massacre, David and some others pursued the Indians but never caught up with them. They moved a couple more times before coming to Hill County. It was said that David Files stood on the hill where the Presbyterian Children’s’ Home stands and said, “This shall be my home as long as I shall live.” He thought it was a beautiful valley. The year was 1846. In 1848 a church was organized, encouraged by David and his brothers, who had come to Texas, also. They took up money for a church building. I found no record as to if the church building was actually built. The church was disbanded during the Civil War. At that time the place was called Eureka Valley and remained with that name until it was renamed on November 19, 1879. The new name given was Files Val-ley. More than once the church congregation met in the school house. The last time was when the Presbyterian Church burned on December 25, 1933. A church was built in 1878 and records show that another was built in 1898 and that was the one that burned. The Files Valley Presbyterian Church was disbanded in 1958 and the members along with the Presbyterian Children’s’ Home transferred to the First Church in Itasca. There was a tabernacle be-hind the Presbyterian Church for years but it burned when the church did. I have evidence of a Methodist Church in the valley but no concrete evidence of others. However, “Preacher” Westberry said he remembered a Christian and Baptist Church, also. Hubert Cheek “Preacher” Westberry (pic-tured in front of the Files Valley School) and his family grew up in Files Valley. The Files family was very active in the development of the valley. About 1900 when they wanted to build the chil-dren’s home, Frank Files offered to donate the land and so did his brother J. O. Files. They chose J. O. Files’ land because it was a more beautiful place and the children’s home stands there today. Most of you will remember the Files and their descendants and relatives. Some of them are Eddie Chiles, Clay and John Chiles, Sydney Files who was CEO of the Itasca Cotton Mfg. Co. and Pat Hooks who was president of the First National Bank. Mr. Hooks also served as manager of the Presbyterian Home when Mr. McLean died. He served without pay. During that time, the depression, the Home had a difficult time existing. It was also over seen by Lee Wilkerson and H. E. Chiles who was president of the old Itasca State Bank. At one time there were several stately old homes in the valley but they all burned. The last one was David Sydney Files’ home he built at the foot of the Presbyterian Home hill. Four of his sons were sworn into the Confederacy in the yard of that home. The house burned in 1973. It had a historical plaque. Over the years businesses came and went in the valley. I do not have a record of all of them but some of them were the Post Office in 1890 with J. A. Walker as postmaster who also had a general store. There were two blacksmiths, two doc-tors and a carpenter R. J. Davis and F. M. Files operated a gin. Later the gin was owned by Bert and Wallace Stufflebeame. They were also cottonseed breeders who were prominent in the valley. There was also a Dr. F. B. Maner who died in 1905, a Dr. Prichard, the Wiseman Store, Green Nuckols Store, and Robert and Blanch McEver operated a store. The last general store in the valley was operated by Sue Files, daughter of Mal-colm Files. There was also a two story Masonic Lodge build-ing. At one time school was held in the upper story of the lodge. The teachers were Geneva (Curlee) Sevier, Mae New-man, Eora Lee Westberry and Mrs. Cullen Williamson. Some of Files Valley burned in 1926. J. W. Walker’s store and Lone Gas pump and several houses were de-stroyed. (Picture is of Joe Price and his Model T Ford among the flowers of Files Valley. Approx. date 1976)

Continued on page 10.


Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

“Files Valley” Continued from page 9

From 1920 to 1929 R. E. Dennis operated a steam thresher in the valley and also Hill County. The people who operated the threshers for him were Hubert V. Westberry, Joe Price, River McEver, Mr. Isabelle and Pete Cardenas. Pete’s little brother was bitten by a rattlesnake. They poured coal oil on the wound and then applied coals of fire to it. He lived in spite of the treatment. The thresher crew also had a chuck wagon. Usually the host family provided the noon meal, but if the thresher went very far, they did not go home at night. Some of you will remember other people who lived in Files Valley from time to time. Luther Files, Bill Hooper, Amos Chandler, the Jenkins Family, Foster Price, Owen Springer, Marvin Wood, M. D. and Sonny Jenkins, the Shorty Lara Family, Henry Basye, Ches Newman, Joe and Fern Weaver, Granby Cheek, the Westberry Family, Blanch and Marguerite Files and J. W. Sweeney. Today Files Valley has no stores, post office or any other businesses. There are about thirty people living there to-day. There is a cemetery in the valley that has been there for years. In 1984 an Itasca Boy Scout, Robbie Rolison, un-dertook the job of renovating the cemetery as an Eagle Scout project. He enlisted the aid of Sam and John Houston, Reggie Brackin, Bob Rolison, Kenneth Stufflebeane and Bob Wilson. They cleaned it up and it is kept up and seen after today by Kenneth Stufflebeame. Files Valley is as pretty today as it was then and the farming goes on. (Picture is front page of The Orphans Herald newspaper of January and February 1934. The headline reports that the “Files Valley Presbyterian Church Burned Early Christmas Morning.”)