Boy, did we ever have a good rain last week. We had over four inches, but many people reported rains of over five inches. We certainly needed that particular blessing. It was supposed to stay cool, but it didn’t seem too cool to me Friday night. Kathy Brockman and I had gate duty for the varsity game against Lingleville. Their fans were very nice, even though they were obviously disappointed that their boys only scored one touchdown. Sitting on the tailgate of my truck, the game seemed to take forever.

After our victory, everyone headed for the church for a good Fifth Quarter meal of tacos. There were lots of kids and happy adults enjoying the feast. All in all it was a good week. Our junior high and JV teams won their games against Lingleville, and our pee wee boys won all age groups on Saturday. I guess we are training them up in the way they should go. Congratulations everyone. We have five home games in a row, so the church ladies will be busy fixing food for Friday nights.

The benefit for T.E. and Virginia Parson was well attended Saturday evening. As usual, folks turned out to "lend a hand" to help out this unfortunate couple. They may have been unfortunate in the loss of their home and possessions, but they are fortunate in their friends and neighbors. Close to $3000 was raised on the cake auction and more came in from the meal. Thank you everyone for your kindness to this elderly couple.

I have been asked several times about the bond election. Some questions have been seeking clarification, and others have been less than friendly. I attended the first meeting about the bond, but not the second. Bear with me as I try to explain; this part is difficult for me. At the first meeting, the auditor/ financial/legal people made it very plain that the bond could only be for a new school. I know that’s true because I was there. Someone on the board asked if any left over money could be used for other things, and they were told until the school was built, furnished and all funds fully allocated for the school, nothing could be discussed about that issue. The financial man made that very clear. The board made it clear, that nothing else could be proposed except the elementary building. Apparently at the second meeting, which I did not attend, someone again mentioned could money be used to refurbish our track. Although that is something many would like, it was pointed out, again, that this bond election is for a new elementary school. Until the bond election is passed, the board cannot proceed with their building plans. We must have a bond to be able to build this elementary building. Everything else is speculation; nothing more than a Christmas wish list. When I reported the bond was for a school and a track, I was not correct. The statement made was expressing the wishful thinking of parents with kids in school. I didn’t pick the idea up out of the air, it was definitely being discussed. The problem is now people think that is actually going to happen. It’s like the million dollar wedge on Wheel of Fortune. If the school is completed under budget, and if all building repairs are completed, and if there is any money left, then maybe, we’ll be lucky enough to have a little money left over to try for matching funds like Zephyr. That’s quite a few "ifs." I sincerely hope that you don’t vote against building a new school because of a wish, or a whim, or any confusion I may have lent to the issue. Our buildings are old, the wiring is 50’s inadequate, our heaters and air conditioners use far too much electricity and work very inefficiently. I don’t have any appliances from the 50’s, yet our kids work with appliances that make learning difficult because of their noise. We are wasting money on fuel and electricity. The school is a public entity, ask to see their bills, you’ll see what I mean. In my desire to make sure everyone was informed of possibilities or "wishes" I think I have caused more harm than good. Please search your hearts and vote yes for this new building. Our kids deserve the very best. Just because they come from a little community, in the middle of nowhere, doesn’t mean they have to have an inferior learning environment. Our board is doing everything possible to keep this issue focused on our elementary building. They do not want to entertain any "wish list" items.

Enough said on that issue. The Stars and Stripes committee is postponing their fund raiser until October. The group felt it was just too busy right now. After this week, I am inclined to agree. I hope to see everyone at the game on Friday, then at the 5th Quarter later. Go Coyotes!

Elisa Draper is still recovering from pneumonia. She’s home from Australia, but still not well. She and Gary had a wonderful visit with their son and his family. Sarah Patino was at the ball game Friday and the benefit Saturday. She is an incredible person. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be out and about a week after the removal of my arm! Obviously she and her family need our prayers. Jessica has been doing a great job standing in for her Mom. I’m sure the boys are glad Mom is home. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues therapy. The Ferguson family is trying to resume normal activities after their tragic loss. Please lift them up when they come to your thoughts. Ruthie has two family members who need our prayers. Her brother is on life support and Mark’s grandmother is having or has had a biopsy done on a mass. That’s a heavy load to carry. Junior Evans is not doing well, please keep both he and Bonnie in your prayers.

We paid tribute to the folks in New York on Saturday as well. I watched the clips of the event and the horror of that day came flooding back. Like the assassination of Kennedy, I remember the details of September 11th as if they were yesterday. I remember crying out to a work mate "This is not an accident, we’re under attack!" The images of crying people, falling bodies and frightened eyes are still too fresh.

Please pray for our government, our President and our precious troops. Our troops and their families deserve our wholehearted love and respect. God bless America.