January 5

Most of the remaining bedding supplies and food in the DeLeon Emergency Shelter located in the old DeLeon Hospital (from Hurricane Rita) building were put to good use when several truckloads of goods were shipped to the Cross Plains emergency shelter on Thursday, December 29, to help out with those in need following the December 27 fire disaster in that town. On Sunday evening, January 1, area residents fleeing the large Carbon/Kokomo fire were relocated to Gorman, and then large parts of Gorman were ordered to be evacuated as well. Many ended up in the DeLeon Emergency Shelter, which had quickly been opened for business once again.

It was noted that the preceding 12 months had the smallest amount of rainfall recorded in any of the last 42 years since the Corps of Engineers began keeping records at Proctor Lake. What made that all the more remarkable is that it followed a very wet 2004, where 47.91 inches of precipitation was recorded, the second highest in the last 42 years.

January 12

The 2006 edition of the DeLeon Livestock Show was held at the DeLeon Livestock Barn on Saturday, January 7. Good crowds watched as 52 junior livestock exhibitors presented 86 head of animals for judging. The Grand Champion Market Steer was shown by Josh Carruth and the Grand Champion Breeding Beef Heifer was shown by Tanner Jordan.

Promontory Park VFD’s best truck was destroyed in a wildfire near Carbon and Kokomo.

Sidewalk renovation was underway downtown.

January 19

Three Grand Champion banners and three Showmanship belt buckles were brought home, from the County show in Comanche, along with a good number of breed championships and other ribbons. Hannah Lindsey’s exotic breed steer was judged Grand Champion Market Steer.

The City Council discussed the “No Parking” signs which had been erected in front of Charles Brown’s house on Houston Street (the first of many such discussions.)

There was a fire at the home of Andy and Janelle Quinn.

Bobby Layne Shuman related his experience of surviving a gas explosion in Palo Pinto County which he deemed “Hell on Earth.”

January 26

Commissioners banned under desk electrical heaters during their regularly scheduled meeting.

It was reported that the DISD libraries were being automated.

Local teen GeorgeAnne Landreth founded the DeLeon Theater Troupe.

February 2

Price’s Flowers and Gifts received “Business of the Year” honors at the annual DeLeon Chamber of Commerce Banquet. John Floyd received Man of the Year, and Barbara Helberg received Woman of the Year.

The Golden Deeds award went to the Third Wednesday Quilters.

A very large crowd showed up to support the DeLeon Volunteer Firemen at a stew supper and auction benefit. More than $31,000 was contributed and the firemen received a standing ovation.

Councilman Danny Owen announced his resignation from the council in order to run for mayor.

February 9

The Fireman of the Year was Jack Abbe.

TxDOT outlined their plan (during a CCMC Board meeting) for constructing a turn lane in front of the hospital, after numerous requests. Lynn Passmore, a district engineer for TxDOT, estimated that the project would be bid in September or October of 2006.

The U.I.L. realignment held big changes for area schools including DeLeon, which dropped to 1A.

February 16

The annual DDT luncheon was held at the Blue Moon Cafe.

Wildfires near Rising Star gave area firefighters a busy Sunday afternoon.

County Extension Agent Bob Whitney spoke to the Commissioners Court advising them of TCEQ’s plan to force municipalities, ranchers and dairymen into drastic measurers to clean up supposed bacterial contamination of the Leon River.

February 23

DeLeon Volunteer Firemen were called to Harvey Street to deal with a rapidly spreading grass fire which was apparently started by two young boys, aged 3 and 5, who used a lighter they found to help their grandfather burn a pile of grass clippings.

Motorists were urged to exercise caution while the signal light was absent from the downtown intersection and the new light was yet to be installed.

March 2

The Council talked about the vendor parking problem on Houston Street, again.

It was noted that DeLeon’s sales tax receipts were ebbing with 2005’s trailing those of 2004 by 5.5%.

A story about postal regulations noted that all local mail would soon be routed through Fort Worth.

March 9

Judge James Arthur won re-election, defeating Rex Plumlee.

Alfred Evans requested area family and business history for a Comanche County History Book.

Dr. Darey Philbrick, Orthopedic Surgeon, began practicing at at Comanche County Medical Center.

Someone dumped a great deal of trash in the Sabanna River, near CR 445.

A heavily-attended public meeting, held at the Comanche Community Center with TCEQ representatives, provided “Many questions and few satisfying answers.”

March 16

Council members discussed again, the issue of vendor parking on Houston Street.

The DHS cheerleaders were announced and included Kristin Powell, Lindi Levisay, Flor Maria Crenshaw, Rosie Martin, Ashley Davis, Kayla Atchley, Maci Williams, Sylvia Reyna, Paige Sanders, Courtney Caraway (mascot) and Kaitlyn Wilkerson.

Jerry Neely addressed those attending a teacher appreciation breakfast which had been prepared by members of the Armstrong Masonic Lodge.

Matthew Iley, representing the DeLeon Lions Club, donated $1,500 to the DeLeon Volunteer Fire Department.

March 23

The City Council heard citizen input on vendor parking on Houston Street.

The Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce announced a candidates forum was scheduled for March 24.

The new stage curtain arrived at DeLeon High School.

Karen Wilkerson, city secretary, and Jamie Welch, assistant city secretary, were pictured drawing names at City Hall for spots on the ballot for city elections.

Area firefighters, including those from DeLeon, Dublin, and Gustine, assisted Comanche firefighters with a fire along the Leon River below the Proctor Dam.

March 30

Among those participating in the local Voter’s Forum were Joe Canterbury, Marion Quade, Danny Owen, Chet Atkins, Howard Gifford, Avery Carlisle, Junior Gerth, Michael John Richardson, Gayle Stroud, Roy Freeman and Norma Locke. Timekeeper was Ruby Park and John Mack Weaver was moderator.

The Spring Doodle Bug ride was canceled by railroad officials.

Council members heard still more feedback on vendor parking.

Mayor Jim Adams announced that he had suspended Police Chief Gary Morphew for unspecified reasons, and called a special council meeting to review the situation.

Members of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce donated a microwave oven and coffee maker for the City Hall Auditorium kitchen.

April 6

There was a story about DeLeon’s Clothes Closet, open each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. at 125 E. Labadie, and staffed by volunteers.

The Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce held their annual “Penny Auction” at City Hall.

The City Council held a lengthy executive session (more than five hours) to evaluate Police Chief Gary Morphew.

The Board of Directors of Comanche County Medical Center agreed to donate the old Comanche Hospital building to the County.

April 13

DISD hired John Ward as DeLeon’s new boys’ athletic director.

City Council members voted to move vendors from Houston Street, also known as Market Street.

Seventeen pair of 42 domino players competed in the Wildflower Tournament conducted by the DeLeon Chamber of Commerce. There was also a Wildflower Barbecue Cook-off.

April 20

Several people, including Margaret Rodgers and Sallie Hale, protested the proposed closing of a portion of CR 459 at Nabors Lake.

Council members discussed a possible new location for displaced melon vendors -- the corner lot near Stephens Feed.

A local ranch, the Sugarfoot Ranch (Jones and Newton family), was recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for having been in the same family for more than 100 years.

April 27

As reported by John Mack Weaver, more than a dozen people turned out with their tools for “Make a Difference Day” in DeLeon, doing work on the houses of the widowed and handicapped.

The new signal lights at the intersection of Texas and Reynosa were installed.

It was reported that the Comanche County Water Supply Corporation was nearing the start of Phase II expansion.

The Home Grant project was ready for “kick-off” with contractors meeting with grant recipients to sign contracts.

An 800,000 gallon treated water tank was being constructed at the Upper Leon River Municipal Water District.

May 4

Chief Gary Morphew announced his retirement, effective immediately, following a more than two hour executive session of the DeLeon City Council.

We here at the Free Press unveiled our new website at deleonfreepress.com.

The Sheriff’s Office was investigating several reports of cattle theft in Comanche County.

A Jury of View ruled that the portion of CR 459 (at Nabors Lake) would be County maintained.

May 11

There were several photos of hail damage following a May 5 hailstorm.

The DHS valedictorian was Elizabeth Nabors, and the salutatorian was Michael Prather.

Two photos of automobile accidents carried the captions “Lucky to be alive” and “Also lucky to be alive” after Billy Self of Gorman, and Frances Keith of DeLeon were injured in separate accidents.

May 18

A front page story noted that Clyde Brinson, longtime governmental and civic leader, died May 11. Brinson had served for many years as County Commissioner, Precinct 4, and as DeLeon’s Fire Chief, and at one point Mayor.

Danny Owen was elected Mayor of DeLeon, while Norma Locke and Avery Carlisle were elected to places on the City Council and Howard Gifford was re-elected.

Larry Don Womack and Daylon Whitehurst, both of whom ran unopposed, won re-election to the DeLeon school board and Kelli Sparger won the seat for the only contested place.

A drowning at Promontory Park claimed the life of a Baird woman.

May 25

Doyle Rone was elected new Fire Chief.

Students who maintained an “A” average at DeLeon High School were honored with an ESA sponsored banquet.

More than 100 people signed a “Farewell, We will miss you” ad for Coach Fox.

There was a good turnout for elementary field day fun.

Anita Roberts, Crystal Wells, Raesha Pruitt, Megan Nabors and Kayla Rice led the singing of hymns at DHS Baccalaureate services.

June 1

The newly elected city officials -- Danny Owen, Norma Locke, Avery Carlisle and Howard Gifford -- were sworn in by City Secretary Karen Wilkerson and participated in the regularly scheduled council meeting.

Thirty-seven new graduates of DeLeon High School were honored in elaborate ceremonies at the high school gym on Friday, May 26.

A crowd of military veterans gathered at the Disabled American Veterans headquarters at Van Dyke on Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day services. Judge John Mack Weaver gave the Memorial Day address prior to a barbecue lunch.

The FFA banquet was held May 23, under the direction of Ag teacher Joseph Simmons, with many students receiving recognition and awards.

Ben Barnes’ book “Barn Burning, Barn Building” was reviewed by Jerry Morgan.

June 8

The 2006-2007 Peach and Melon Queen candidates were announced and included GeorgeAnne Landreth, Tessie Brownlee, Sarah Guardiola, Kimberly Arnold, Selina Walker, Kristin Powell, Kelsey Menzel, Christen Ranson, Lisa Sepada, Susan Travis, Rosie Martin, Michelle Gonzales, Maranda Gonzales and Michelle Williams.

A paving crew kept traffic disrupted downtown for two days as they applied first a sealcoat and and then two layers of fresh asphalt to the newly-milled pavement on Texas Street.

The CCMC board tentatively approved the sale of the closed DeLeon Nursing Home to Alan Striegler after he submitted the highest bid ($59,000) for the property.

June 15

It was announced that the annual DeLeon Volunteer Fire Department Barbecue would be fund raiser for the family of Clyde Brinson, and many area residents turned out to participate.

“Picnic in the Park” was chosen as the theme for the 2006 Peach and Melon Festival.

An emergency burn ban was declared by County Judge James Arthur.

Mayor Danny Owen stated that a recent rash of sign damage was proving costly to the city.

The DeLeon Chamber held their third annual golf tournament at PAR Country Club with a good number of participants.

A large group of Community Rehab volunteers worked on nine DeLeon homes.

June 22

A drowning at Proctor Lake claimed the life of a Stephenville woman.

Mattie Newton celebrated her 100th birthday.

County Commissioners dropped the burn ban after brief period of rain.

Mid-Tex Cellular celebrated its 15th anniversary.

June 29

Dr. Howard Dickey was named Chief of Staff at Comanche County Medical Center. Dickey replaced Dr. David Long, who was moving.

Megan Nabors was selected First Team All-State in softball by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.

County Commissioners awarded a contract to Mid-Continent Restoration for emergency lintel repairs on the courthouse.

Kelli Sparger resigned from the DeLeon School Board for unspecified reasons.

July 6

The DVFD received a new fire truck.

The DeLeon School Board met in special session and appointed Janet McGinnis to serve the remainder of Kelli Sparger’s term.

Laura Kestner was promoted from associate editor to editor of the Free Press.

The CCMC board agreed to provide a loan of $50,000 over 36 months to Ruth Reeves, D.O., a recent medical graduate who grew up in Gorman and was accepted to the family practice residency of John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. The loan would be considered repaid in full if Dr. Reeves practiced for as long as three years on the staff of CCMC.

The Leon River cleanup efforts were nearing the completion of the first phase.

Steel for construction was delivered to the new festival grounds.

July 13

Signs reading “closed” and “for sale” were placed on the front door of the Blue Moon Cafe.

The DeLeon School Board hired Josh Hodges as an agricultural teacher.

Jeremy Lindley, the Bearcat quarterback, traveled to Australia to play in an all-star football game.

The Comanche County Consolidated Medical Center celebrated its first year of operation.

July 20

Council members discussed progress on the Festival Park project.

Clara Bruton was featured in a story about enjoying life at any age.

Jerry Morgan shared his memories of the “Tower Shootings” at the University of Texas in 1966.

County Judge James Arthur issued an emergency burn ban.

A dump truck driver snagged a power line near Stephens Feed and inadvertently started a small grass fire.

July 27

The Abilene Reporter-News ran two articles on the decision by DISD board members to require drug testing for students participating in any school-sponsored extra-curricular activity, declaring in the second article that “ACLU says DeLeon drug testing policy violates students’ rights.” Dr. Randy Mohundro, DISD Superintendent, responded in a Free Press article that, “Our policy has been tested by the Texas Supreme Court, and given that, I feel like we’re on solid ground.”

David Kattes, an Associate Professor of Entomology at Tarleton State University, reported that the West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito from the De Leon area.

DeLeon’s newest eatery, Gary Morphew’s “Italian Bistro”, held a grand opening ceremony Thursday, July 20, but actually opened for business, July 17.

August 3

A very large wildfire burned more than 2,000 acres on the southwest side of Comanche.

City Council members approved the use of the old DeLeon Nursing Home building as a mental health facility.

The CCMC directors announced, during a regular meeting, that Dr. Todd Davis had signed a contract and would join the clinic and medical staff in October, and that Dr. Peter Fagan would begin work at the ER in September. It was noted that Dr. Brandon Gilmore and Dr. Beau McCrory were going to work at the Brownwood hospital, that Dr. David Long was moving to Big Spring, and that Dr. Michael Reeves would be moving his family to Alaska in September.

Many area residents gathered at the First United Methodist Church Heritage Hall to say goodbye to Dr. David Long.

August 10

Kristen Powell was crowned 2006 Peach and Melon Festival Queen.

Liberty Dawn Hugg was named 2006 Peach and Melon Festival Little Miss.

DeLeon ISD received an “Academically Acceptable” rating when the Texas Education Agency released the 2006 school accountability ratings.

It was noted that the area drought was intensifying and that the lake water levels were dropping.

August 17

Selena Walker was named Miss DeLeon and was crowned by Mayor Danny Owen.

Citizens residing on Juarez and Bell Streets asked Council members to have their street paved.

County Commissioners adopted an Emergency Management interlocal agreement and agreed to raise constable fees.

New DISD employees were introduced.

The winners of the P&M Festival Seed Spitting Contest were recognized.

The Ranch Grill opened for business.

August 24

Firefighters responded to a fire on the old Gorman Highway.

The school year got off to a smooth start with a slight increase in attendance.

It was noted that the Texas drought was reaching record proportions and that the fire danger was extreme.

August 31

The DeLeon City Council hired John McDaniel, Jr. for the position of Police Chief.

The Comanche County Commissioners presented Shirley Brinson, the widow of Clyde Brinson, a plaque honoring the many years of service Commissioner Brinson provided.

Home Grant recipients Eddie and Ann Holland were pictured accepting the keys to their new home.

September 7

The CCMC board agreed to leave the property tax rate unchanged.

A restricted burn ban was temporarily restored.

The Cross Timbers Health Clinic received $575,000 from USDA Rural Development.

Edith Brownlee shared her memories of growing up near DeLeon.

September 14

City Secretary Karen Wilkerson administered the oath of office to DeLeon’s new police chief, John McDaniel, Jr.

The 2006-2007 Homecoming Queen candidates were Mary Katherine Dickey, Kelsey Menzel, Lyndi Levisay and Flor Marie Reyna.

Homecoming King candidates were Vince Flores, M.J. Stewart, L.C. Williams and Jeremy Lindley.
Tom Clayton won the first football contest.

The Commissioners lifted the total burn ban.

The City Council heard Festival Park financing options from a representative of First Southwest Company of Lubbock.

September 21

The Homecoming Queen and King were Flor Marie Reyna and Jeremy Lindley.

An interview with Chief John McDaniel revealed that he planned to make no changes for at least 90 days.

A query regarding the new Bearcat logo being used by the DISD resulted in a lengthy article about Bearcat history and the numerous variations that have been used since 1924.

Talmage Hodges won the football contest.

September 28

The City Council adopted a budget calling for a small increase in water rates and taxes.

Jane Sims won the football contest.

County Commissioners appointed a new Fire Marshall, Chris Hill.

Boyd Waggoner was removed as chairman of the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District board during a September 21 meeting, as were other officers. New officers -- Rodney Stephens, president; George Bingham, vice president; and Fred Parker, secretary.

A marker dedication was held at Zion Hill Cemetery honoring veterans of the War Between the States.

October 5

The City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of tax notes to finance the Festival Park project.

Terra Matthews won the football contest.

Dr. Todd Davis began seeing patients at Doctors Medical Center Clinic.

County Commissioners adopted a 2006 property tax rate of $.5833 per $100 taxable valuation.

October 12

The Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District agreed to a hydrology study to assess groundwater availability in Comanche and Erath counties.

Rachel Riggs won the football contest.

October 19

The Doodle Bug Excursion train ride was a huge success as hundreds of people turned out to ride, or to greet the riders.

U.S. Representative Mike Conaway visited the high school and spoke to members of Dr. Mohundro’s government class.

The Skaggs sisters -- Bernice Farley, Marie White and Elsie Robinett -- shared their memories of growing up in the Rock Bluff community.

The Merriweather and Culpepper Circus made a stop in DeLeon, to the delight of the young and young at heart.

October 26

A voter’s forum -- featuring State Representative, District 59 candidates Sid Miller and Ernie Casbeer -- was held in Stephenville, and featured in the Free Press.

County Commissioners appointed a new Family Consumer Science Agent, Sharon Watson of Mesquite.

Jane Sims and Donald Nowlin tied for first place in the football contest.

A local resident was fleeced by a casket salesman in a costly scam.

November 2

The DHS Fall Festival Queen and King were Emily Auvenshine and Mitch Barefoot.

Multiple wrecks were caused by a roving cow on on Hwy 16, resulting in four cars being towed and one person being taken to the hospital. The cow was killed.

Council members voted to replace the ailing K-9 officer, Nikki. In that same meeting, Council members voted to accept the resignations of Jamie Welch, assistant city secretary; Officer Richard Hyatt; and city employee Gaylon Fleming.

Xandra Carter won the football contest.

November 9

Jimmy Dale Johnson defeated Thomas Ray Keith for the County Commissioner, Precinct 4 seat.

There were several pictures of the $1.4 million project (designed to provide higher quality drinking water to DeLeon and four other cities) underway below the Proctor Lake dam.

A CCMC board meeting article noted that the hospital was dealing with a Medicare revenue squeeze and that the new budget projected a big loss.

At the same CCMC meeting it was announced that the prospective sale of the old DeLeon Nursing Home building had ended when the purchasers backed out of the deal because it was not financially feasible for them to remodel it to Texas Department of Health specifications.

The annual First United Methodist Church Harvest Festival at City Hall was deemed successful.

Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District directors voted to implement an injection well monitoring program.

Lauren Casey won the football contest.

November 16

Vandals hit the DeLeon Cemetery where numerous headstones were overturned and grafitti and profanity were spray-painted on others.

City Council members voted to hire Waverly Inman as a patrol officer and Dora Rangel for the front office.

Commissioners voted to move DPS offices from the courthouse to the courthouse annex (the old Comanche Hospital.)

Serla Cabaniss won the football contest.

November 23

High winds battered DeLeon for more than 12 hours (beginning on November 21) and resulted in extensive damage to Golden Peanut property downtown, as well as several other places.

Four young people from DeLeon were involved in an accident on Erath County Road 347 also known as “Roller Coaster” road and one of them, Shay Lamb Benefield, was seriously injured.

Womack Nursery was honored at the Texas Pecan Festival.

Leisha Hodges won the football contest.

The Bearcats were playoff bound and police and fire trucks escorted DeLeon school buses full of players and coaches as they left town heading to Pennington Field to play the Muenster Hornets. The Hornets would prove victorious.

November 30

DeLeon volunteer firemen were paged to a structure fire in the 400 block of W. Ayers Street where the home of Nathan and Courtney Allen was completely destroyed.

Jimmy Dale Johnson was sworn in as Precinct 4 Commissioner.

Lana Coker was the winner of the cumulative football contest.

The City Council fired Chief John McDaniel for not meeting the Council’s expectations.

December 7

Council members heard a protest from Paula Splawn regarding a proposed “mobile home park” on North Texas and North Travis Streets.

A very brief weather event (Thursday, Nov. 30) left a light dusting of snow and ice and neighborhood children were pictured at play.

County officials declared a total ban on outdoor burning.

December 14

The Country Christmas was deemed successful as scores of children descended on City Hall to tell Santa their fondest wishes.

Commissioners affirmed the total outdoor burn ban but declined to ban fireworks.

The Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District directors met and heard public comments at the beginning of the meeting, instead of the end as had been the practice.

December 21

The DeLeon City Council appointed Ralph Dickey as the new Police Chief.

A very successful benefit auction and meal was held for Shay Lamb Benefield. So many items were donated that the auction lasted from 6:30 p.m. until after midnight.

The CCMC board held an unusual called meeting at the hospital (December 14) largely in executive session, but no action was taken.

Cano Petroleum announced a new field discovery in its Desdemona Field located in Eastland County.