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Hockley County News-Press
711 Austin St.
PO Box 1628
Levelland, Texas  79336
(806) 894-3121

FAX: (806) 894-7957
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Copyright: 2009
Levelland and Hockley County News-Press All rights reserved.

ONE STEP AT A TIME - Benny Guajardo secures a crossing brace while working on the frame of the gym at Capitol Elementary. The building is the last part of the renovation of the campus that is still under way. The gym had to be rebuilt after a brick wall on the north side of the building separated. The reconstructed building will have more than 5,000 square feet of space and it will contain the gym, restrooms, an office and a music classroom. (Staff Photo)
Breaking
Regent Jim Montgomery resigns from SPC board
 (Posted Wed 10:13 am)
Jim Montgomery abruptly resigned from the South Plains College Board of Regents on Tuesday in a disagreement over the college's use of construction management services.
Montgomery read a letter to the board in which he stated that the college had not been "good stewards" in the use of funds.
He said that other local taxing entities including the county, the school district and the city advertise for bids for new construction and the renovation of existing buildings.
Montgomery said he had spoken to one construction manager who said he would like to do work for SPC. When asked what he
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Police seek suspect in shooting incident
 (Posted 8/30/2010 02:40 pm)
An arrest warrant has been issued for a man in connection with the shooting of a Levelland man earlier this week.
Justice of the Peace Jerry Boudreaux issued an arrest warrant for Jose Juan Ortega, 27, of Levelland for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.
Bond was set at $10,000.
Ortega is suspected of shooting Christopher Valderas, 23, of Levelland.
Valderas was admitted to Covenant Hospital Levelland after 6 p.m. Monday with a single gunshot wound to the left side.
The victim apparently walked into the emergency room and told employees that he had been shot.
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Man dies after rolling four-wheeler
 (Posted 8/23/2010 01:30 pm)
Police are investigating the death of a Levelland man who died after rolling a four-wheeler Friday night in the city.
Jackie Smith, 60, died after losing control of r a John Deere four-wheeler in the 800 block of 13th Street after 8 p.m.. He was not wearing a helmet, police said.
He was transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock where he later died.
An autopsy was ordered into the death.
Smith was driving around the area at the time keeping an eye on things during two events that were part of the Thunder on the Plains Car Show.
"This
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Lawmaker seeks input at town hall meeting
 (Posted 8/18/2010 09:18 am)
Concerns over available medicine and the government's deficits were among those heard during a town hall meeting here Monday.
Rep. Randy Neugebauer of the 19th Congressional District listened to residents' worries during a stop at South Plains College.
The Republican lawmaker told a crowd of 60-plus people that "borrowing and spending" are what has gotten the nation into trouble.
"These are very challenging times for our country. There are some tough decisions ahead for our country," he said, noting that the government now borrows 42 cents for every dollar it spends.
The solon said he is seeking input from the
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Deputies arrest duo, seize meth & checks
 (Posted 8/16/2010 04:06 pm)
The Hockley County Sheriff's Office broke up a methamphetamine distribution ring Thursday evening in Levelland and arrested two people.
The two arrested were also engaged in identity theft through the suspected production of counterfeit checks.
Deputies executed a search warrant at a local hotel that resulted in the recovery of eight grams of meth and other evidence. Officers also seized nearly $2,500 in cash and a vehicle believed to have been used in the illegal operations. They were assisted by the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office canine unit.
During the search, deputies discovered a sophisticated check counterfeiting operation as
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News
Producers keep eye on maturing cotton
 (Posted Wed 10:17 am)
While crop prospects have slipped with the recent hot, dry weather, ginners and others in agriculture still believe that a solid cotton crop could be harvested this fall.
"It's gone downhill a little. Rain would have helped three weeks ago," said Johnny Shepard, manager of Citizens-Shallowater Co-op. "It's still a good crop, but it's not going to be a barn- burner."
The crop was hampered by heavy rainfall and below-normal temperatures in July. As a result, some of the local cotton crop is 2- 3 weeks behind schedule, Shepard said.
The cool weather also led to "node spacing" issues, he said. As a result, there are some wide gaps between cotton branches which can mean fewer bolls will develop as the plants mature.
The heavy rains also leached fertilizer out of the ground. And some growers couldn't get back into their fields immediately to re-apply fertilizer, Shepard said.
"Fertilizer leaching, that was the biggest thing," he said.
The effect of the leaching can be seen in fields where cotton appears to be yellowish in color.
Producers hopeful
 (Posted Wed 10:16 am)
While crop prospects have slipped with the recent hot, dry weather, ginners and others in agriculture still believe that a solid cotton crop could be harvested this fall.
"It's gone downhill a little. Rain would have helped three weeks ago," said Johnny Shepard, manager of Citizens-Shallowater Co-op. "It's still a good crop, but it's not going to be a barn- burner."
The crop was hampered by heavy rainfall and below-normal temperatures in July. As a result, some of the local cotton crop is 2- 3 weeks behind schedule, Shepard said.
The cool weather also led to "node spacing" issues, he said. As a result, there are some wide gaps between cotton branches which can mean fewer bolls will develop as the plants mature.
The heavy rains also leached fertilizer out of the ground. And some growers couldn't get back into their fields immediately to re-apply fertilizer, Shepard said.
"Fertilizer leaching, that was the biggest thing," he said.
The effect of the leaching can be seen in fields where cotton appears to be yellowish in color.
4-H students honored at achievement banquet
 (Posted Wed 10:16 am)
Several dozen local students were recognized for all of their hard work Saturday during the annual Hockley County 4-H Achievement banquet.
The theme for this year's banquet was "Rounding Up Your Future In 4-H," said Travis Payne, master of ceremonies and president of the Hockley County 4-H Council.
I Dare You
Two 4-H students, Paxton Pugh and Travis Payne, received the "I Dare You" award.
Pugh, the son of Larry and Donna Pugh, has served as president of his 4-H Club and district delegate for county council. He was recently elected vice president of the district 4-H council and as a member of the state 4-H council.
He earned 1st place with his record book at state this year, as well as second place in entomology team at state. Pugh has also won awards in such areas as swine and shooting sports, and is a past recipient of gold, silver and bronze awards.
Payne, the son of Marc and Lynnette Payne, has served as president of his 4-H Club, county 4-H council and public relations officer for the District 4-H Council. He earned 1st place at state with his record book and attended the National 4-H Congress.
He has completed projects in such areas as environmental science, safety, beef, family life, shooting sports and vet science. He has previously won the gold, silver and bronze star awards.
Spencer Hodges wins first football contest
 (Posted Wed 10:14 am)
Spencer Hodges was the clear-up winner of the first week of the News-Press football guessing contest, scoring 18-2.
He earned $25 for having the best score of the week.
Second place went to Jake Madewell, whose score was 16-4. He earned $15 for his efforts.
Third place and $10 went to Rex Black, whose score was 15- 5.
Six contestants had 14-6 scores including Deanna Perez, Roy O'Donovan, Gary Lyon, David Davidson, Danny Randolph and Sheri Moore.
Eight contestants also had 13-7 scores including Debbie Moore, Vonna Turner, Laura Rocha, Juan Hererra, Eliseo Rocha, Jr., David Hatter, Harvey Stephens and Judy Franks.
New fire chief plans to stay on same path
 (Posted 8/30/2010 02:41 pm)
Levelland Fire Chief Otis Stark is steady as it goes concerning the Levelland Fire Department.
Stark, who was promoted from assistant fire chief to fire chief last week, wants to continue the goals that his predecessor, Marvin Brewer, set.
"Marvin put us on a couple of paths that we're trying to finish, and I want to do that because of him," he said. "They were important things."
One goal is to complete the fire training field off South Alamo Road that was named in honor of Brewer, who died last month after battling cancer.
The field on 10 acres of land has been under development for more than three years. It has two buildings for classrooms, a tower, a shipper container for a burn room and other facilities and equipment.
"We have to finish our props and paving some roads and getting some things finished," he said. "We need materials and we need time."
The second goal - developing a regional fire rescue team - will take longer.
Sports
welcome world series
 (Posted 8/18/2010 09:01 am)
From all of us we welcome World Series.
Torrance tops College Point 18-4 for World Series title
by Jacob Tucker
 (Posted 8/30/2010 09:46 am)
 
        Torrance had a great trip home after winning the 13-year-old Babe Ruth Championship Thursday night against College Point, New York, 18-4.

        College point would take the first bat, but tough defense by Torrance would force three quick outs on four batters.

        The boys from California flexed their offensive muscles and scored eight quick in the bottom of the first, a blow that College Point would never recover from. The team would go through their entire batting order and would not score only three; a Masata Okawa fly out, a Tyler Suzuki pop out and a sacrifice bunt from Nyles Nygaard

        College Point would only be able to produce one run via A.J. Figueroa in the top of the second on a RBI double from Charlie Davis. The score would be 8-1 going into the bottom second.

        Torrance would have another successful inning by forcing College Point to change pitchers for the second time in the game, but not before giving up four runs. Incoming pitcher Keith Rodgers would allow two runs, Nygaard and Okawa. The inning would end 14-1, Torrance.

         Nothing would happen for both teams in the third inning, as they both would only have four batters come up to the plate.

        Coming into the top of the fourth, the Torrance defense would retire College Point in three batters on a fly out by Figueroa and a double play on Charlie Davis and Robert Liptak.

        Going into the bottom of the fourth, Torrance would score two runs, Okawa and David Aros, on a single wild pitch from Rogers. Rogers would be pulled from the mound after walking his fourth batter in two innings. Figueroa would come in to close the inning 16-1.

        College Point would begin to chip away at the 15-point lead with three runs in the top of the fifth. Justin Del Veccio would score on a balk, and Torrance’s Okawa would walk Rogers and Christian Jordan, who both would score on a line fly to left. The score would be 16-4 going into the bottom of the inning. They would show shades of a defensive comeback by retiring three straight, keeping Torrance at bay, 16-4.

        Despite the good defensive showing by College Point, the Torrance defense would also retire three straight in the top of the sixth.

        Torrance would cap off their game with two runs in the sixth. Suzuki would steal home for a third time and Yanez would cross the plate on a wild pitch.

        Three batters would be retired in the bottom of the seventh to give Torrance the win, 18-4.
Torrance advances to championship in win over Tallahassee
by Jacob Tucker
 (Posted 8/26/2010 00:50 am)
     Tallahassee Babe Ruth would end their series one game shy of the championship in a loss against Torrance, California, in the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series.
     In the top of the first, Connor Jahn would be the only Tallahassee run to cross the plate in the first after Ryan Day was tagged out trying to steal home. Two outs would follow, giving the team their only lead of the game.
     Torrance would respond in the next half with three runs from David Aros, Tyler Susuki and Justin Yanez, making the score 3-1, Torrance.
     Nothing was working for either team in the second inning, allowing Torrance to preserve their lead, 3-1.
     Going into the third, Tallahassee would take advantage of three walks from Torrance’s Ray Diaz. Jake Taddeo would be the only run to cross the plate despite having loaded bases. Tallahassee would continue to trail 3-2.
     Torrance would score Aros, Susuki, Yanez and Manny Olloque in the bottom of the third. Tallahassee would only get out of the inning on a double play and a ground out to Jake Taddeo at second. The score would increase by four, 7-2.
     The Tallahassee sticks would move the base runners well in the top of the fourth, but none would cross the plate. Michael Haddix would walk on, but get tagged out on a fielder’s choice at home plate. Taddeo would fly out to second and Kaycee Reese would strike out to end the side.
     Susuki would give the boys from Florida a replay taken straight from their first meeting in a stealing score for the only run of the inning. Torrance would extend their lead by six, 8-2.
     In the top of the fifth, Tallahassee would land two batters on base, but could not pull the ball down to get them in, keeping the score 8-2.
     The Torrance team would produce four runs off of a combination of hits from Yanez, Olloque, Ryan Corral and Aros, making the score 12-2.
     Tallahassee would see a carbon copy of the fifth in the bottom of the sixth, as Jahn would walk on and Harris would single. Nothing else would move for the team, keeping the score 12-2.
     Two additional runs would come in for Torrance in the bottom of the sixth to round out their offense, 14-2.
     Tallahassee would make an attempt to come back against Torrance, but they would leave two runners stranded, giving the win to Torrance, 14-2.
     The Tallahassee player of the game was Blake Reese and Torrance player of the game was Aros.
Manchester falls to College Point, 9-4
by Kati Walker
 (Posted 8/25/2010 03:34 pm)

College Point, New York trumped Manchester, New Hampshire, 9-4, Tuesday, August 24, in the first game of bracket play in the Babe Ruth World Series.
Manchester scored the first run of the game in the top of the first. Matt Fitzgerald hit a single and stole second. Brendan Sullivan hit a ground ball to second, and Fitzgerald ran home, scoring 1-0.
College Point scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the first. Justin Del Vecchio walked on base, stole second, and was batted to third. Keith Rogers hit an RBI to short and Delvecchio tied the score, 1-1.
In the top of the third, Fitzgerald walked on base followed by Dario Vitagliano who also got on base. Sullivan hit a two RBI double into right field, Fitzgerald and Vitagliano, making the score 3-1, Manchester. College Point switched pitchers to Robinson Merker. Brian Shea hit an RBI single, Sullivan crossing home, 4-1.
In the bottom of the third, Keith Rogers got on base followed by Christian Jordan. Anthony Figueroa hit a two RBI double, Rogers and Jordan scoring, 4-3.
Bottom of the fifth, College point score another run after Jordan walked on base, stole second, was batted to third and stole home, tying the score 4-4.
Manchester got three up and three down at their turn to bat in the top of the sixth. College Point stole the game back in the bottom of the sixth, scoring five runs. Delvecchio hit a single to center, followed by Campbell who walked on base. Delvecchio stole third and Campbell stole second on a wild pitch. Rogers hit to short, and short stop threw past the first base man into foul territory, Delvecchio and Campbell sprinting towards home, scoring two runs, 6-4.
With Rogers at first, Jordan blasted a hit out of the ball park for the third home run seen in the tournament. Rogers and Jordan brought in two more runs for College Point, making the score 8-4.
College Point will play again today at 5 p.m. against Maplewood, Minnesota to decide who will play in the championship.
Tallahassee shuts down Kenner, advances to semi-final
by Jacob Tucker
 (Posted 8/24/2010 11:59 pm)
 
LEVELLAND, TEXAS – The Tallahassee Babe Ruth team would keep the winning ball rolling as they took their first victory in the tournament bracket against Kenner, Louisiana, 10-3 at the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series.

Tallahassee came into the first with a deep shot double from Blake Reese, only to get out in a pickle. Ryan Day singled, stole two bags on a pitching error and would score on a grounder from Connor Jahn. Two outs would follow, ending the side 1-0.

                Kenner would come up to face pitcher Ryan Day, and couldn’t get anything going for bottom of the first and second due to six straight strikeouts.

                Coming into the second and third, the Tallahassee guys would extend their lead 4-0.

                Kenner would get their first run in the bottom of the third with a run across the plate by Ashanti Wheatley, but Tallahassee would get three outs to end the scoring slide, 4-1.

                Two other runs would be brought across the plate in the top of the fourth by Tallahassee. Dunbar and Reese would get on the bags with two singles. They would be brought in on a standing double by Connor Jahn. The inning would end with Tallahassee having a commanding 6-1 lead.

                Kenner would be shut down on offense until the bottom of the seventh.

                Another run would score on a free base for Tallahassee in the top of the fifth. The boys from Florida would score two runs by driving in Jahn and J.T. Stalnecker in the top of the sixth. No other runs will come in making the score 9-1.

  Tallahassee would wrap up their game with an additional run in the seventh, making their score 10-1.

                Kenner would mound a comeback a little too late, gaining two runs, ending the game 10-3

                Player of the game for Tallahassee was Ryan Day for virtually shutting down Kenner with only five hits allowed, four walks and 14 strikeouts on over 130 pitches.  Player of the game for Kenner was Benjamin Hess.

                Tallahassee will move on to the semi-final game in a rematch against Torrance, California, tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
Community


Hockley County News-Press
711 Austin St.  •  PO Box 1628 •  Levelland, Texas  79336 •  (806) 894-3121 •   •  FAX: (806) 894-7957
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 •  Copyright: 2009: Levelland and Hockley County News-Press All rights reserved.