I was reading in the book of Joshua this morning about the Jordan River crossing.  The Israelites could see the Promised Land from where they were camped, but they had a huge problem; the river had to be crossed.  If that was not bad enough, it was flood season and the water looked fierce and menacing. Those waiting to cross had been told the story of the “parting of the Red Sea” forty years before; but few had experienced it.  Remember; the older generation who crossed the Red Sea died in the desert because of their unbelief.

Tuesday night the Lady Wolves showed what they are capable of after an on/off performance at the Randall Tournament this past weekend. Dalhart hosted the Caprock Lady Longhorns, winners of the silver bracket this past weekend at the Cool in Boomtown Tournament at Burkburnett.

    Mosquitoes have remained in the area throughout the summer.  A relatively mild winter and greater than average summer rains has made it easy for mosquitoes to flourish.  People who are suffering from the annoying itch of mosquito bites signal the need to spray insecticide by contacting the city offices.

The Texas Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross announced on August 14th that 100 DID, an economic development non-profit company in Moore County, is preparing three vans to be presented to the Texas Panhandle Chapter, American Red Cross for the purpose of storing and transporting emergency shelter materials.

    With all things XIT, the inner artist came alive for many as they partook in the three nightly receptions honoring XIT Museum’s featured artist Manuel Franco.  The open house for the museum drew quite a crowd of both local residents and XIT Rodeo attendees.

    The 14th Annual Fiddlers contest was held at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Seventh Street after the “Wild Rides and Big Dreams” parade on Saturday, August 8.

Brightly colored overdone make-up, big shoes, balloons, laughing, and lots of people; either the makings of a Tammy Faye Messner party, or in this case a clown contest that is both great fun for kids and adults alike.  Bank of America hosted its annual clown contest coinciding with XIT on Thursday August 6th.  Turnout for the event was fantastic with children bedecked in their varied costumes of clowns ranging from rodeo clown to “super clown” attire. 

Fear steals our Faith

    I have been enjoying my early morning “Bible time” on my swing when I give God a chance to speak to me from His Word.  For several mornings I dwelt on the story of the children of Israel and their “desert” wanderings before the Promised Land became home.  Ironically, on Sunday evening, Pastor preached on this very subject and I was even further enlightened.

    Dalhart City Manager Greg Duggan is urging Dalhart Residents to spray bushes, shrubs, trees and other vegetation in their yards for mosquitoes. Duggan said he had swarms of mosquitoes in his yard, but after he sprayed a garden-hosed dispensed insecticide, he only found one the next day.

    The Dalhart City Council voted to propose a tax rate for fiscal year 2010 of $0.3333 per $100 valuation at Tuesday’s regular meeting. It should be stressed that the city council did not approve this rate; it is proposing this as the 2010 tax rate. The actual tax rate will be set after hearings have been held to get information from the public about the tax rate. The proposed rate is the same as last year’s rate, but will increase revenue to the city due to an increase in property valuations. Because of the higher property valuations, this is considered a tax increase, even though the rate has not changed. By state law, approving the tax rate has to be done as a record vote by the council. Voting yes on the proposed tax rate were Chris Bell, Zelda Lang, Mark Brown, David Bierbaum, Kerry Miller and Fidel Olivarez. No member of the council present at the meeting voted against the proposed tax rate.

Hectic crowds, overwhelming checkout lines, restless children, pillaged piles of clothing and school supplies; what could make this all worth while?  Of course, Tax-Free Weekend.  For many families with school aged youth, the tax-free weekend offers savings in these trying economic times. While you may have to weigh the savings versus a migraine headache, if you have children and are looking for ways to save, Tax-Free Weekend fits the bill. 

    Free food! Who could pass that up?  With XIT came the all familiar free feeds that XIT Reunion is famous for.  From the juicy watermelon feed, succulent pork chop feed, to the world’s largest free barbeque, there was no shortage of food or good times.