What's Happening in Tulia?

Tulia Chamber of Commerce is currently reworking the blog/news section. We apoplogize for the inconvenience.

Tulia Chamber of Commerce now has a new website!!! We have been working on this for most of year now and are excited it is finally ready to go! The old website will take you to the new, but the new name is tuliachamber.com. LiveJournal would not work with the new system, so we are going to switch. The new site--accessible from the website--is tuliachamber.com/blog. We apologize for any inconvenience for those of you who have bookmarked this Livejournal site, but we think you'll like the other one, too.
I will insert here, that if you have Windstream for your Internet Service Provider, the connection to the blog and/or calendar may not work. I am working on some of these issues.
The new site gives us a more professional look, and will allow us some versatility where we haven't had it before. The email isn't working on the site, but will be soon. There will be other changes, too. I'm just glad to have it up and running.

I don't make a habit of posting "want ads", but the Conestoga is a new chamber member, so I wanted to help them out.

The Conestoga Restaurant is looking for a couple of cooks. If you are interested, please call 995.3407 and ask for Paula or J.C.

You must file a tax return in order to receive an economic stimulus payment. Even if you are not otherwise required to file a tax return, you may still be entitled to the economic stimulus payment from the federal government.You could receive a payment of $300 for individuals or $600 if you are married and file a joint tax return with your spouse. Eligible taxpayers who qualify for a payment may receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child. To qualify a child must be under age 17 as of December 31, 2007.

All you have to do to get the stimulus payment is file a 2007 IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040A and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form. You can include the amount of your SSA benefits to qualify for the stimulus payment.

 

Add the amount of your Social Security benefits to other qualifying income, such as wage earnings or certain benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to reach the $3,000 requirement. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits do not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

You will enter your name, address, Social Security Number, and filing status on the form. Then just enter the amount of benefits reported to you in January on Form 1099-SSA on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040. If you don’t have Form 1099-SSA, you can estimate your Social Security benefits by taking the monthly amount you received last year and multiplying it by the number of months you received a check. If you need to include wage earnings to reach the $3,000 qualifying level, enter that amount on Line 7 of Form 1040A or 1040. In addition, you should write the words "Stimulus Payment" at the top of the 1040A or 1040.

Is the stimulus payment taxable next year? No, nor will it affect the amount of SSA benefits you receive. The IRS will begin mailing checks in early May.

In late March 2008, the IRS will mail a packet of information to recipients of Social Security benefits who did not file a tax return last year. The packet will contain guidance to help you claim the stimulus payment. You need not wait for this packet to file your 2007 Tax Return.

AARP Tax Aide Volunteers are available to help file your tax returns. Help will be provided every Thursday by appointment only at the Swisher County RSVP, 321 SW 2nd Street. Please call 995-2104 for an appointment.

 

 Do you have questions about wind energy and how it could possibly benefit Swisher County? A special meeting promises to address those questions and more as Lauren Moore and Greg Wortham of West Texas Wind Energy Consortium explain the processes and entertain a discussion regarding the pros and cons of this very timely subject. The consortium's purpose is to increase area economic development, education and job training.

The meeting will be in the District Courtroom at Swisher County Courthouse at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 10. Individuals who require the use of an elevator to the second floor may enter at the north door.

Interested land owners are urged to attend and indicate their land area on a county map. This is an "indication of interest" if a fair deal from a reputable company comes to Swisher County. This is not a "contract" or a "guarantee" to have a wind turbine placed on their land

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Texas better than Ohio? Well, heck we KNEW that? But it apparently took some folks at the Wall Street Journal by surprise. The gist of the article is that Texas is better for vbusiness, but we can't think of a single way that Ohio could possibly be better than Texas--except that maybe it has fewer letters! (That's for those of us who use the "hunt and peck" method of typing!)

Of course, the article (click here) focuses on the large cities, but right here in Tulia/Swisher County, we are primed for business as well, centrally located on I-27 between two airports, two cities, two universities (and a third if you throw in Texas Tech), and a host of other amenities, including affordable properties, good schools, and fine folks.

The Tulia ISD Trustees recently adopted the 2008-09 teacher salary schedule which puts Tulia in the top paying districts for similar districts in the Panhandle. 

See the whole story HERE.

What a pleasant surprise to have David Nall  drop into the office today! We had a nice chat about Tulia, his recordings, and things in general. He was in town visitng family, haivng performed at Wayland Baptist U on Wednesday.
Speaking of recordings, David has just recorded a new one called "The Cross on I-40", which he wrote. He is hoping it is "picked up" by a major artist. 

Many people know that we have David Nall CDs--country, gospel, and Christmas--here at the Chamber for sale. I may not have made it clear in the past, but David has donated these, and all proceeds go to Chamber projects. 

While we were visitng, Mike Huseman of HCSB dropped by to say goodbye. He has been "kicked upstairs" by the management, and is assuming a post in the Plainview HQ. The Husemans will continue to live in Tulia for the time being. We wish Mike the best, but doggone it, we are sorry to have him go.


TRUE STORY (mostly):

A few days ago, my wife and I were purchasing a new clock radio. As I was checking out, I asked the clerk, "Do you think this will keep me from waking up crabby?"
He replied, "If you don't turn it up too loud. Otherwise, she WILL wake up!"

FREE Banquet ticket to the first person to respond to this BLOG. Winner will have option to sit at the VIP table.

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The Family Dollar store is making progress. Site work started about a week or so ago. It is slated to open within about three months.

As I update this on 2/29, concrete work has started.

Tulia's native son and noted gospel singer has recently been notified that his group "River Jordan" is Number One in all 3 Charts.  No. 1 on Overseas Most Played Gospel Artist,  and “Do You Know That You Know Him?” is now No. 1 on Gods Country International (USA & Overseas Reporters Combined) and is also now No. 1 on The USA National Chart (USA Reporters Only).  This has Never Happened before even with Johnny Cash & Joanne Cash and many other top Artists. 

Pretty impressive for a Tulia boy, huh!

Congratulations David.  We are very Proud of you and Thanks for the Great Songs!

Well, we had hoped the Tulia Herald would run this story--they have the information--but for some reason it has not appeared.

The Tulia United Community Fund had a successful drive the last quarter of 2007, with $26,550 being collected for local projects. While every little bit helps, two events were notable. Tulia Livestock Auction held a special auction to raise money for the Fund, netting over $1000 in the process. Tulia ISD is always a big donor, and this year's kudos go to Swinburn Elementary. Those little guys (along with some help from the staff, I'm sure) raised over $1,000--most of it in nickels, dimes and quarters!!

The funds were distributed to the agencies at a special meeting on January 11.

    

Principal Scott Burrow accepts TUCF donations from some Swinburn students.

TUCF recipients: Tom Davey, Swisher Area Foundation; Cynthis Zolman, RSVP; Sam Sadler, Tulia Cemetery Assn; Kelly Reusch, Tulia Day Care; Barbara Richardson, CASA; Lauri Rousseau, Love Fund; Marci Brown, Crisis Center of the Plains; Billie Sue Gayler, Swisher County Museum; Bonnie Daniel, Panhandle Community Services; Marshall Ebeling, Good Shepherd; not pictured, Joe Weaver, Chamber of Commerce

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Are you getting tired of the look of the website? I sure am! I would have changed it, but I three months ago I contracted with a company to build and host it. I thought it would be done by the middle of December--the first of the year at the latest. Here we are halfway through February, and still nothing. I get an email from them about once every two weeks saying they are working on it, but still nothing. I have been patient, but my patience is wearing thin!

Young and Ellis fuel pumps are back!!!  The pumps--along with the rest of the Young and Ellis structures at the corner of 6th and Hwy 87--were destroyed in the storm last spring, but are up and running again. It has been a long haul for the fuel supplier, with the hardest blow coming in the wake of the tornado, when Lynn Ellis suffered a fatal heart attack during the demolition of the remains of the buildings. Don Young stuck with it however, operating out of a FEMA trailer while going through the long process of dealing with rebuilding the business. The main structures were finshed a few weeks ago (and now house Swisher Tire, as well), and this week the pumps were opened to the jubilation of Tulia residents. The pumps are fully automatic and accept major credit cards

Unless this writer is mistaken, this is the final business to get completely rebuilt after the tornado (of those who intend to), so this is truly a reson to celebrate!

It should be noted, however, that new businesses continue to go up on 87 and elsewhere. Most notable is the construction--or ground work, rather--just west of the Chamber of Commerce. The site is being prepared for a new Family Dollar store, and projections are that it will be up and running within a few months--barring weather delays.

Speaking of which...I don't know if this will delay the construction or not, but Tulia received some much needed moisture overnight. Snow and ice had been predicted over the weekend, and while some sleet fell, slick conditions did not materialize, and Tulians woke up to wet streets and muddy ground this morning.

 Tickets for the Annual Chamber Banquet or now on sale at all Tulia banks, the city hall, and at the Chamber office. The cost is $25 for an evening of good food, great fellowship, and lively entertainment. The meal is brisket (or chicken, if you prefer) with vegetables, a salad, and dessert. Dining entertainment will be provided by the Hornet Band, featuring Carlos Saldana, who attended Interlochen Music Camp last summer. A brief preview of this year's Chamber Play will be presented, followed by entertainer Shelia Phillips. Recognition of local worthies will ensue, honoring soil Conservationist, Business of the Year, Man and Woman of the Year, and the Pioneer Spirit award.

Payment by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) is accepted at the Chamber Office, or by calling 806.995.2296.

Tickets to the Annual Chamber Banquet, to be held on March 13, are now on sale!!

WOW! I knew there were talented folks in Tulia and they certainly turned out last Saturday (Feb 9) to honor the memory of Billy Earl. Patsy Hooten, ever the organizer, planned a benefit to aid the Earl family with medical expenses incurred by Billy's illness. Sadly, he passed away earlier in the week, with the funeral the very day of the program. Plans had been made, however, and it was decided to continue with the plan--even when several of the slated performers canceled at the last minute due to illness or family emergencies.

Patsy Hooten and Joe Weaver served as emcees for the evening, largely "winging it" due to the restructured program. Shannon Hassell began the entertainment with a collection of inspirational songs, sung in a clear and beautiful voice. Cade Lange then kept up the excitement with a few country tunes. Ronn Taylor, who also served as sound man for the event, moved the audience with an original vocal composition, followed by guitar solos. Sandra Johnson, appearing in spite of feeling the effects of the flu, wowed the group with some Ronstadt and Cline ballads, sung in her inimical style. Winding up the first portion of the evening's entertainment was Jean Berry. Jean was also under the weather, but the way she sang, expecially her signature acapella numbers, no one could have guessed.

There was no charge for the program, but donations were accepted for the benefit of the Earl family. Collection had been made in a paper bag, which was passed to Jeremy Earl during the intermission.

The second portion was kicked off with something a little different--a humorous monologue by Joe Weaver about traveling on Route 66. Then each of the other performers (with the exception of Shannon, who had to leave early) was called on stage for a second set.. It is trite to say "a good time was had by all", but it seems fitting in this instance. And this observer--a newcomer to Tulia--was quite impressed with the range, depth, and quality of the talent on the stage that night.

Of course, no performance comes off without help from lots of people, and that was certainly the case here.  The Swisher Area Foundation, represented by Tom Davey, loaned us the use of the Royal Theater, and had the heat going when the audience showed up. Lowe's supplied bottled water for refreshment. Owens Electric--in the person of Jim Owens--handled electrical needs, including the lights, and Ronn Taylor not only performed, but supplied all sound equipment, and worked the board as sound technician. Zane Taylor registered guests and collected donations. Levi and Anthony Sanders also helped collect donations. Swisher Electric and Tulia Herald helped with promotion. Of course, it would have all been in vain had the audience not shown up, and we appreciate all of you.

And the whole thing would not have come off without Patsy Hooten. She conceived it, organized it, planned it, and it was she who tore out her hair late Saturday afternoon as the performers began calling to cancel. Through it all, she plugged along like the trooper she is.

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Just an observation...am I the only person left who likes to hear children sing without accompaniment? I heard a group of little guys sing on Sunday morning and thought how fresh and natural the voices sounded. Then it was pointed out that there was a tape they should have been singing with. When that was "corrected", all I could hear were the instruments and the kids on the tape. I liked it better the way they began. I guess I'm just getting old!

 

Where: Swisher County Community Computer Lab, 321 SW 2nd Street.

When: Every Thursday Beginning February 7th BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Interested taxpayers should bring their W-2's, 1099's, Social Security cards, picture ID and copy of last year’s tax return if available.

Please call 995-2104 for appointment.

The Tulia Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Business of the Year, and Pioneer Soirit Award. Nominations must include reasons why the nominee should be selected, and must be turned in to the Chamber office (in person or by mail) by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 15. An Awards Committee will be selected to read and vote on all nominations.

In previous years, the Chamber has awarded Educator of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, but has opted to discontinue those, as education is not in the Chamber's area of involvement or expertise, and volunteer activites are generally considered in the Man and Woman of the Year nominations. Also, RSVP recognizes a qualified volunteer.

The Pioneer Spirit Award seems to give people some trouble, but I think the key to nominating someone is the word "spirit". The true pioneers--those who settled the county and built the towns--are long gone, but that spirit of working with little, triumphing over adversity, giving selflessly, and building (and rebuilding) is very much alive in Swisher Country residents.

It's tough to say too much about this year's entertainment, but since I have lauded Shiela Phillips in earlier blogs--and will probably do so again--I'll only say here that the evening will be a time of great food and entertainment.  We are still working on parts of the program, but things are shaping us. Cost for the evening is $25--one would be hard-pressed to find this combination of great food and entertainment at a better price.

Oh...and we now accept Visa and MasterCard for ticket purchases in advance.

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SPEAKING OF ENTERTAINMENT.....
The Annual Melodrama is back! The performance dates are April 11, 12, and 13, with the Sunday performance being a matinee. There is still time--and room--for you to be a part. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 31, 7pm at the Gayler Room in the Swisher Memorial Building. We will need performers, stage hands, ticket-takers, costumers, and a lot more!

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ANNUAL MELODRAMA!!

The Tulia Chamber of Commerce Annual Melodrama is scheduled for April 11, 12, and 13. An organizational meeting will be held this Thursday, January 17, 7:00 pm, in the Gayler Room of the Swisher Memorial Building. If you can act, sing, design, decorate, sweep, or any of a hundred other things, we want YOU!!

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Miss Tulia Pageant
The Miss Tulia Pageant will be held on Saturday, February 16th, at 6:30PM in the high school auditorium.

Applications are available at all schools and must be turned in no later than Friday, Feb 8th, at 5:00PM. Please return applications to Charlotte Smith at Citizens Bank, Carla or Cynthia @ Wells Fargo Bank or Cindy Hurt @ HCSB.

A $25.00 entry fee is required with each application.  Contestants may have a sponsor if desired.  Admission price is $3 for adults and $2 for students.  Kaleidoscope Club donates all proceeds to scholarship funds and other community service projects

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Shelia Stark Phillips is the keynote speaker for the Annual Chamber Banquet, though that term sounds a little dry for the entertainment Sheila provides. Her resume includes "teacher", "author", and "zookeeper", of all things, which should be enough to provide an interesting repertoire! I have heard Sheila on a number of occasions and always left with my sides aching.

   Did you see Lawrence Welk on PBS Saturday night? I don't generally watch it myself, but last Saturday (Dec 29) I caught the first number and there were performers there I didn't recognize. Since the show was in color, I knew it couldn't be one of the really old ones, so I thought it might be one of the later ones--produced just a year or two before it ended copmpletely. That meant it might have the Otwell Twins on it, so I kept watching.
   Sure enough, the second number featured the twins. I had met Roger and David shortly after moving here, but did not recall ever seeing them on the show--which I watched with my folks pretty faithfully until the early '70s. Since they didn't get on the program until the mid- to late '70's (1977?) I had never seen them. It was fun to see them on the program, and to try to figure out which was which. (I don't have that problem now, but in the younger shots, I'm never really sure.)
   The best part though, is that they were interviewed after the program, about how they got into the business and on the Welk show. It was fun to hear them speak of Jack Love, whom I never knew, but the house I live in has been identified as the Jack Love house. Roger Otwell has told me he spent many hours in that house.
   The interview must have been quite recent, as they did not look appreciably different than they do now--and I ran into David just a few days ago in Amarillo. It was a lot of fun to see them in the show, and to hear the great things thay said about Tulia and the people here. (On the flip side, the brothers have always had good things to say about Lawrence Welk and theie experiences with the troupe.)