PAW PRINT PRESS PROUDLY SERVING ITASCA “THE BIG LITTLE TOWN” SINCE 1997

ITASCA, TEXAS 76055 VOL. 2015, ISSUE 14 APRIL 3, 2015

Itasca OAP Via Tolline Enger

Itasca High School’s One Act Play traveled to their contest Thursday, March 26 at the Perform-ing Arts Center in Frost, Texas with their Co-Directors, Tolline Enger and Clay Strawn. They

ended the day with a complete success by advancing to the Bi-District 12 AA competition, which will be held Sat-urday, April 11, 2015. This year, the OAP crew and cast take on “Flannery’s Ocean” written by Lewis John Carlino. At Thurs-day’s competition, Itasca’s OAP swept away with sev-eral awards. Jarred Sparks received Best Actor for his characterization of Mr.

Flannery (a retired, belligerent, Irish seaman who has laid claim to the ocean). All-Star Cast went to Faith Strawn, who played an elderly American widow, and Tristan Sulak who played Mr. Morrison: an newly-wed on his honeymoon. Honorable Mention awards were given to Megan Terrell who played

Maug, the maid, Lindsey Miles, the manager of Southshire Gardens re-sort, and Ciara Eaker, who played Mr. Morrison’s new 24-hour long wife. The crew for One Act Play: Jackie Ward, stage manager; Cesar Diaz, Tommy Ashley, Tanner Graig, backstage set crew; Jacob Miles, lights; and Hunter Whitley, sound, these took home the Outstanding Crew Award. As for Outstanding Sound Technician, Hunter Whitley grasped that one as well. Good luck to IHS”s One Act Play as they advance!

Art Display The artwork of the students of Itasca ISD which was displayed at the Hill County Fair is now being shown in the Itasca Library, which began March 23, 2015. The li-brary is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM-5:30 PM and on Friday from 7:30 AM-3:30 PM.

Hill County Genealogical Society to Meet Joyce Reid will present the program for the Hill County Genealogical Society’s next meeting on Mon-day, April 6, at 6 pm in the Hill County Courthouse Annex in Hillsboro at 126 South Covington Street. The program will be on “Rules of Copyright That Might Surprise You!” and will be presented on webinar for about one hour. Refreshments will be served following the program. There will be a Board meeting at 5 pm prior to the meeting. Anyone interested in the program is welcome to attend. For further information please contact Cleo Davis at 254-582-3603 and leave a message. Your call will be returned after 5 pm.

Itasca UIL 2015

PAGE 2 FEATURE NEWS/EDITORIALS’ APRIL 3, 2015

Easter Sunrise Service The Itasca Ministerial Alliance will sponsor the Sunrise Service this year. The service will begin at 7 AM at Crouch Park on Hill Street. Everyone

is invited to attend this early worship service. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the beauty of the Easter morning.

Bake Sale First Baptist Church of Itasca will hold a Bake Sale at Citizens State Bank on April 4, 2015. The sale will be from 9 AM to 12 PM. For more infor-mation, please contact Kathy at 254-687-2877.

New Cheerleading Coach: Susie May

Staff Reporter: N. Jackson-Turner

Susie May is an assistant teacher and also the new cheer-leading coach for Itasca High School. She has been in education and other activities for three years.

She was born in Clifton, Texas, to her mother Kathy Ca-dena and father Raymond, but grew up in Itasca, graduat-ing from here as well. She then went on to the University of North Texas where she studied and majored in Busi-ness, Rehab Study, and Minor addictions. Ms. May gradu-ated from UNT in the summer of 2012. She wanted to be in education because she says, “It’s a lot of fun to help kids get into their groove for college.” Her motto for teaching is “it is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated”. Ms. May has a pit-bull named Charlie who keeps her company and she loves to listen to music, watch movies, and read Dr. Seuss books. She lives by this quote, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you'er than you.”

New Program Mentor: Nora Hoglund

Staff Reporter: Fathe altum

Itasca ISD welcomes Social Worker, Nora Hoglund. Mrs. Hoglund works with students in grades 9-12 in a program called Communities in Schools. She re-cently was married to Robert and

they share a pet beta fish named Ramsey. She grew up in Mauston, Wisconsin graduating from high school there. In 2014, she graduated from Bethel University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. This afforded her the opportunity to work in schools where she can interact with children and she loves the academic atmosphere. Her hobbies include reading, listening to music, and scrap booking. She loves Itasca because of the great small town vibe it brings. A famous, well known quote she lives by is “You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails.”

Sports Roundup Sports Editor: Adam Youngblood

Spring season is here! Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf, whatever sports they are, the Itasca Wampus Cats are already striving for success! Although the recent rain and weather conditions have practically ruined the fields and courts, each team has adjusted well, working mainly in the old gym. The spring sports have already made a dramatic standing in the players and the coaches as well. With game saving hits, exciting games or matches the Wampus Cats have worked accordingly and it has shown! Look for updates on each sport in the upcoming issues of the Paw Print Press! With basketball officially over, The District 12-2A results have been presented. Receiving awards were Brandon Farquhar as offensive player of the year and Nick Jackson in 1st team All- District. Jesus Gutierrez, Demarcus Parkerson, and Lamine Zimba received 2nd team All- District.

Meet the Teacher: Brandee Kettler

Reporter: Danelle Whitefield

Seventh grade welcomes their new Texas History and Health teacher, Brandee Kettler. Although she has been teaching for three years, she is a newcomer to Itasca

Middle School. She is married to Lance and they have two pets: a micro mini pig and a pit bull. While her hometown is Hillsboro, she graduated high school at Grandview. After graduation, she attended college at Hardin-Simmons University, receiving her B.B.S in In-terdisciplinary Generalist. Mrs. Kettler became a teacher because she wanted to make a direct impact on the future. She always says, “Teaching is a profession that teaches all other professions.” Mrs. Kettler lives by the quote from Babe Ruth, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”

Meet the Teacher: Angela Nickell

Staff Reporter: Fathe Altum

Itasca ISD welcomes Mrs. An-gela Nickell. Mrs. Nickell is the assistant to Coach Erwin in the A+Lab, where she teaches high school students. She is also mar-ried to Ag Teacher, Mr. Bill

Nickell. They have two loving children, Nikolas Tate, 22 and senior Galena Tate, 18. Mrs. Nickell attended Min-eral Wells High School and went on to Tarleton Univer-sity, majoring in English. She loves Itasca and believes the school does a wonderful job providing education to all the students, as well as the college courses given to the student. During her rare free time, she loves to read, cro-chet, and anything that gets her out in the sunshine. “Teaching gives you an ability to reach people in the most positive way,” she believes.

PAGE 3 NEWS/RECENT DEATHS APRIL 3, 2015

Janet Ann Murphree Gordon, 68, a lifelong resident of the Mayfield Commu-nity in Hillsboro, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Janet will be remem-bered with private funeral services. Ms. Gordon was a sixth generation Hill Countian. She was born at Boyd Sanitarium in Hillsboro on October 29, 1946 to Jewell Rangeley Murphree and Ewell Grant Murphree. As a child, she per-formed tap and ballet on Channel 5, the first TV channel in Texas. She gradu-ated from Hillsboro High School in 1963, Hill College in 1964, and received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in 1967. She also did post graduate work at Baylor University where she received her teaching certifi-cate in 1981. In 1982, she began her teaching career at Hillsboro High School,

and later taught in Penelope, Abbott, and completed her twelve years of teaching at Itasca High School. She was named Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers, Strathsmore Who’s Who for Teaching Excellence, and received the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award for Teaching. She was also awarded the University Scholastic League Sponsor of the Year Award in 2003 from the University of Texas for her work with the students. She leaves behind a legacy of having taught over 2,000 students in her teaching career. For a period of nine years, Ms. Gordon tutored children at the Children’s Pres-byterian Home in Itasca. She taught for a total of twenty-six years, impacting numerous lives. Throughout her life, she enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and friends, as well as spending time on the family farm. Ms. Gordon was a past president of the Philotechnos Club, past president of the Gamma Delta, a member of Classroom Teachers, and the National Federation of Teachers. She was a member of the Hill County Historical Society, past director of the Hill County Cell Block Museum and the Hillsboro Heritage League. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hillsboro. Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister, Mary Frances Murphree; a brother, Donald Murphree; a niece, Cindy Murphree Holland; and infant son, Montgomery Lee Gordon. She is survived by three children, Jana Elizabeth Nors and husband, Raymond, of Abbott, Donald LeVan Gordon and wife, Lisa Ann, of Itasca, and Tyler Grant Gordon and wife, Tereasa, of China Spring; four grandchildren, John Marshall Nors, Joseph Wagner Nors, Chandler Grant Gordon, and Victoria Ann Gordon; niece, Beverly Ann Gerke and husband, Billy Ray; sister-in-law, Ann Murphree; great-nephews, Andrew and Jonathan Gerke; great-niece, Sherry Gerke Davis; and two great-great nephews, Nolan and Jo-seph Davis.Memorials may be made to the Children’s Presbyterian Home, P. O. Box 100, Itasca, TX 76055 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Meet the Teacher Camron Steele

Staff Reporter: Jennifer Murray

“Nothing is impossible, sim-ply expensive,” is the quote new teacher Camron Steele lives by. He teaches Math at Itasca Mid-dle School, grades 7-8. Mr.

Steele has three children with his wife Mindy: Justin, 20; Ciara, 18; and Danica, 16. he is an Itasca graduate whose hometowns were both Midlothian and Itasca. Mr. Steele has attended several colleges, which include Hill College, Navarro, TSTC, and Texas A & M. During this time he has obtained a degree in Automotive Tech-nology, Science, Math, and finally teaching. When in school Mr. Steele teaches by the motto, “If they can learn Calculus in China, so can you.” at home, he en-joys passing the time by practicing science, Armor smithing, Computer Programming, fixing cars, invent-ing and finally learning. Welcome back to Itasca ISD Mr. Steele and family.

Meet the Teacher Debora Abrego

“Excellence in education is when we do everything we ca to make sure the students be-come everything they ca,” is the quote by Carol Tomlinson

that Debora Abrego lives by. Mrs. Abrego is a Lifeskills Aide at the Itasca Elementary and al-though she has been an aide for three years, she is a newcomer to Itasca ISD. She is married to Em-manuel Abrego and has three children; Eli, 11; Han-nah, 8; and Maddie Jo, 3. She grew up in Hillsbor where she went to high school. Mrs. Abrego wants to become a teacher and is taking classes at McLennan Community College until she can transfer to SFA or Tarleton State University. She said, “I want to be a teacher because of the wonderful students I have worked with. I want to make a difference in their lives.” Welcome to Itasca, Mrs. Abrego.

PAGE 4 COMMUNITY NEWS/RECENT DEATHS APRIL 3, 2015

Page 5 LIFESTYLES APRIL 3, 2015

Kitchen Korner Publisher: Loretta Bishop

When I was first married, I began learning how to bake. Cooking was easy, but baking was another story. My mother-in-law gave me a Good Housekeeping Cook-book and I was in hog’s

heaven, so to speak. I began baking everything I could manage. One of my favorites was yeast rolls and it soon became a favorite in my family. I hope you like this one and if you have a recipe that you would like share, please send it to the paper and we will put it in. Send them to PAW PRINT PRESS 123 N. College St., Itasca, TX, 76055

Jail House Rolls Two ¼ oz. pkgs dry yeast 3 eggs 1½ cups warm water 1½ tsps. Salt 1 cup mashed potatoes 1 cup sugar 1 cup butter 8 cups flour

Mix yeast in water. Set aside for later use. Mix potatoes, butter, eggs, salt and sugar. Blend into 7cups flour. Add yeast water. Knead until well blended. Place in a well-greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and place in refrigerator until ready to use. Will keep for several days. When ready to use, knead in ½ to 1 cup additional flour. Shape into rolls and let stand about 3 hours or until double in size. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until done.

Homecoming 2015!

The Ex-Students Association and the PAW PRINT PRESS are gearing up for next years annual Home-coming. While the date

for the event is not known as of this printing, the class that will be honored is 1965 and all classes ending in 5. Be sure to read future editions of the paper for further details on this honored event in Itasca

Itasca Spring

Cleanup April 4-11, 2015 May 2-9, 2015

It is time for Itasca’s annual

Spring Cleanup! We urge every citizen to clean up around your own home and busi-ness. You can take trash to the landfill at no charge during this time, just show your water bill. Landfill hours are 6:00 AM to 5 PM dur-ing the week and 7:00 AM-12:00 Noon on Saturdays. Allied will pick up on your trash day if your trash is in a bag or in boxes of 50 pounds or less. Limbs must be bundled in 3 foot lengths. If you have a pickup truck, please help someone who does not have one or help an elderly or disabled person. Items not accepted are chemicals, paint, batteries, tires, hazardous waste, and any-thing with freon. Every citizen is urged to stop littering our streets! Let’s take pride in this free land. Our soldiers are dying and suffering every day to keep us free. We need to show our apprecia-tion by keeping Itasca free and clean. Let your home show that you care.

Want to subscribe to the PAW PRINT PRESS?

Please fill out the coupon below and mail to:

PAW PRINT PRESS 123 N. College St. Itasca, TX 76055

Name:________________________________________ Mailing Address:_______________________________

Make checks payable to PAW PRINT PRESS in the amount of $26.00. Any extra donations are

used for the PAW PRINT PRESS scholarship.

PAGE 6 NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS APRIL 3, 2015

Sherry’s Licensed Home Day Care 35+ years of experience

Toddler learning program 5 days a week, free time throughout the day. Crafts, Music, Story time and

more. Limited number of openings available All meals served, Call Sherry 817-202-5695.

Itasca Depot & Museum Schedule

Apartment for Rent Sanford Apartments

107 E. Marion Itasca, Texas

2 bedrooms $450-550 (3)vacancy Contact 254-687-2800

Car For Sale 1999 Silver Ford Escort

1 owner Good condition Call with offer

254-580-3358 or 254-687-2976

Glitz & Glamour Brittany Cockerham, Waco St. in Hillsboro

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9-6. 254-205-3577

Salon 110 & The Annex Located at 110 S. Waco St.

254-580-0110 Annex

Located at 116 S. Waco St. 254-580-0114

SWEET POTATO PIE CREATIONS DOVE HILL QUILTING

Deana Trawick 254-580-8209 908 HCR 4251 Hillsboro, TX

dovehillquilting@yahoo.com www.sweetpotatocreations.com

City of Itasca Accepting Applications The City of Itasca is accepting applications for

maintenance/sewer/water workers. Pick up applications at Itasca City Hall Monday-

Friday 8:30 – 4:30. NO PHONE CALLS concerning positions.

For Sale Plots at the Itasca Cemetery

6 for $1000.00 firm Only serious buyers please

Contact Denise at djerosser@gmail.com 512-461-5097

PAGE 7 CHURCHES APRIL 3, 2015

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 Community Church of Itasca First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 House of Faith of Itasca 129 W. Main Street 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 400 E. Monroe St. website - itascacbc.org

Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Youth 5:00 p.m. Mon., Wed. & Friday 8 a.m. Bible Study Wednesday Night Meal 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Youth & Children 7 p.m.

First United Methodist Church 401 E. Main St, Itasca, TX 254-687-2475

E-mail: itascaumc@att.net Re-Think Church

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Sunday School 9:30 a.m.-10:30 (All ages)

Sunday Worship Service 10:50 a.m. Pastor Tom Wood Snacks 10:40 a.m.

Itasca Church of Christ 303 E. Monroe 254-687-2774 254-687-2858

God’s plan for saving man Hear the word of God . . . Romans 10:17 Believe . . . Hebrews 11:6 Repent . . . Acts 17:30 Confess Matt. 10:32 Baptism . . . Acts 2:38 Remain Faithful . . . Rev. 2:10

Sunday 9:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening 6:00 p.m.

Second Missionary Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion St. Itasca TX 76055

Rev. George Demmerritte Jr. (Pastor) Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar - 254-687-2243

itascafpc@sbcglobal.net www.fpcitasca.org Sundays - 9:30-10:00 Fellowship in Barton Hall 10 - 10:45 Sunday School 11 a.m. - Worship Service

Bible Study – Sunday at 4 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday – 10 a.m. Exercise Class - Barton Hall

First Baptist Church of Itasca James McCarty, Pastor

107 South Lamar Sunday School 9:45AM Sunday Worship Service 10:45 AM & 5:00PM Wednesday Adults & Youth 6:30 PM

Community Church of Itasca Community Church of Itasca invites you to join our ser-vice and fellowship Sunday mornings. Services are held at 109 N. Wall St., Itasca . We invite you to join our family

and grow in Christ with us. Community Church Service 10:00 a.m. Potluck Lunch 11:00 a.m.

House of Faith of Itasca 129 Main St, Itasca, TX Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Pastor Philip Burch Everyone Welcome!

Ministerial Alliance of Itasca The Ministerial Alliance is a group of local pastors and leaders that desire to share the gospel and love of Jesus Christ in our community. We meet the first Saturday of each month for an hour of devotion, planning events, and caring for one another. Please prayerfully consider joining us for coffee and snacks at 9:00A.M.. at the First Presbyterian Church behind the bank. Our next meeting is Saturday, Feb. 7. Hope to see you there!

Scripture of the Week Isaiah: 28-31

28Do you not know? Have you not heard? the LORD is the ev-erlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29He gives strength to the weary and increases the

power of the weak. 30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

PAGE 8 APRIL 3, 2015 PAW PRINT PRESS

PAW PRINT PRESS 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

Flashback Friday