The Gilmer Mirror from Gilmer, Texas • Page 1

Texas Legislature Looks at Request for Modernizing MXCRQFTLM SERVICE SALES P. 0. Box 5066 DALLAS, TEX. More and more pressure is coming to the Legislature to make some basic revisions in the way Texas counties may operate. Two state representatives this session have asked foi county government studies.

They were Rep. Alonzo Jamison of Denton and Denton County, and Rep. Hinson Hinson of Wood, Upshur and Camp Counties. A State House subcommittee on County Operations heard testimony on a resolution authored by Rep. George T.

Hinson of Upshur, Wood and Camp Counties foi a Legislative study to modernize county government. The resolution asked for by Hep. Hinson is one editorially supported three years ago by The Gilmer Mirror, and supported editorially by several other publications, including The San Angelo Standard Times, both Dallas newspapers and smaller ones including The Hillsboro Mirror. The House last week passed the interim study resolution and sent it to the Senate for its approval. Rep.

Hinson said lie had not yet found a Senator willing to sponsor it as some of them have to run for re-election and do not want to get involved in something which might hurt their chances. The study includes the following aspects of county government: (1) Election of county commissioners from the county as a whole instead of from each of four precincts. This has long been recommended by private studies of Texas county government. It would help make the county's administrative unit more responsive to the needs of the county as a whole. (2) Pooling of all county owned machinery into a single countywide administered road maintenance unit.

(3) Pooling of financial resources and income on a countywide basis rather than splitting funds up into four precinct road funds regardless of need. The resolution asks for an interim study by a Legislative Council with recommendations for changes to be reported back to the next session of the Legislature two years from now. Already the study has active opposition from the County Judge and Commissioners Association, a lobby group. Rep. Hinson told The Mirror that this is "only a study, and any legislation which comes out of it would not be passed for at least two years." He said that any change would be permissive, that is, local voters would have to approve it.

"I hope the study brings to light what needs exist so that the people themselves may see how to better use their county's resources," said Rep. Hinson. Gilmer Mirror Editor Ray Greene sent a statement on the need for a study of county government to the House subcommittee and also a copy of this statement to the Dallas Morning News. Sunday the News' editorial page editor Dick West commented at. length on county government and the Mr.

West noted that for decades editors and political scientists have been urging modernization of county government. But he noted, too, that in recent years letters to the News were more in opposition for fear of too much central government control. "It's a problem as old as government itself: how to achieve efficiency in operation without damaging the democratic process," commented Mr. West. He concluded -that Mirror editor's general thesis is correct: "county governments everywhere must either conceive a new baby or put a new skin on the old skeleton that limps so badly." (The Dallas News editorial page item slightly enlarged on the Mirror's editor's Legislative comments in saying that such offices as sheriff and lax assessor-collector would be made The statement did not list the offices, but said some county officials might be appointed rather than elected.) Here is text of the county government study resolution by Rep.

Hinson as passed by the House. It awaits Senate approval. By Rep. Hinson HCR No. 73 House Concurrent Resolution WHEREAS, There is mounting evidence that county government in Texas is in need of revision and modernization to make it more adequate and responsive to modern life and conditions; and WHEREAS, A huge assortment of special districts has grown over the state to fill the gaps left by inability of county and city governments to provide service needed and desired by citizens; and WHEREAS, The structure of Texas county government, prescribed at length by the Constitution of 1876, is rigid, lacking in central administrative authority, and tends to produce duplication and overlapping of governmental services in many counties; and WHEREAS, If the "one man-one vote" mandate handed down by the United States Supreme Court is extended to the county level, problems will be posed concerning the election of county commissioners from designated precincts; and WHEREAS, Preparation should be made for orderly compliance with such a mandate, and careful study should be given to possible solutions of these problems in advance of such a mandate; and WHEREAS, Modern roads and methods of transportation and communication have made separate precinct transactions antiquated and unnecessary; and WHEREAS, Pooling of resources and equipment of precincts would result in economy for entire counties; and WHEREAS, All these factors need to be included in a consideration of methods for improving and streamlining county government to meet modern-day needs; now therefore be it RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the Stale of Texas, the Senate concurring, That the Texas Legislative Council be requested to study county government in Texas with a view to recommending ways of modernizing it and making it more responsive to contemporary needs; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Council be requested to include within Ihe scope of Ihe sludy but not limit it to consideration of the following: (1) election of county commissioners at large, with the requirement that candidates reside in a given precinct; (2) pooling of all county-owned machinery, equipment and manpower into a single county-wide unit; (3) pooling of financial resources and income on a countywide basis; and perhaps (4) the possibility of counties consolidating; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Council be requested to report its findings and recommendations to the Regular Session of the 60th Legislature.

jflkigk- Cmmcr Hi i rror VOL. 88, NO. 21 18 Sections GILMER, UPSHUR COUNTY, TEXAS THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1965 lOc A COPY RICHARD POTTER, center, of Gil- rector. He WM nominated for the award mer, receives certificate as "Small Busi- by Mrs. R.

H. Laschinger, at left, who Is neisman of the Year" for this SBA region regional SBA advisory council chairman, from Harry Martin, regional SBA di- Photo. Gilmer Potteries Official Gets Regional SBA Award A Gilmer man has won a signal honor this week. Richard Potter has been named winner of the Regional award of Young Businessman of the Year. by the Small Business Admin istration's Marshall which includes 20 counties in Northeast Texas, 3 counties in 3outhwesl Arkansas and four Northwestern Louisiana par- shes.

Towns of Texarkana, Shreveport, Tyler, Longview and Marshall are in this area, showing the type of compe- was involved. SBA Regional Head Harry Martin, SBA acting regional director, presented the citation to Mr. Potter Tuesday in Gilmer. Also present at the ceremony was Mrs. R.

H. Laschinger of Gilmer, who is chairman of the SBA regional advisory council. She had nominated Potter. Potter is Secretary- Treasurer and Sales Manager of Gilmer Potteries, and also ceramic engineer in charge of designs. C.

C. Rowe is presidenl and pro- duclion manager of Ihis or- ganizalion. Potter, born in Jamestown, N.Y., lived there until 21 years old at which time he entered Ihe Army Air Corps. He received his training as navigator at Memorial Day Program Is Set For 3 p.m. Sunday on Square A Memorial Day program will be held al 3 p.m.

Sunday at the Veterans' Monument on the south courthouse lawn. A special program has been planned to honor all the Upshur County men who did not return from the nation's wars. The public is invited. D. T.

Loyd said that a special invitation is extended to the wives, parents and other relatives of men who gave their lives. All will receive flowers as tokens of their participation in the program. Monday will be observed as a business holiday here with banks, Post Office, and most stores, offices and shops closing. GILMER MIRROR SPELLING Trophy winner (or this year Is Rene Green, right, daughter of Mr. nnd Mrs.

Russell N. Green of Union Ridge. She is receiving the engraved cup from lait year's winner, Mary Alice Lind- tey. The trophy Is awarded In the fifth grade annually, by The Mirror, and with spelling contest conducted by the Gilmer Elementary Photo. Selman Field, Monroe and served with the Eighth Air Force in the European Theater during World War II and made 33 bombing missions over Germany.

After his European service returned lo the US where, he served as'a navigation, ih- slruclor at Ellington Field, Houston. While living in Houston he met and married Miss Daisy Jean Shaver. They now live in Gilmer and have two daughters, Laine and Laura. He's Ceramic Engineer Before entering the military service he attended college in Jamestown, N.Y. and at Ihe University of Alabama.

After the war he entered the University of Texas and in 1949 received his degree as a Ceramic Engineer. He is a member of the honorary society Sigma Gamma Epsilon. And he is also a charter member of the Southwestern section of the American Ceramic Society. Mr. Potter first worked with the Aztec Potteries in San Antonio and the Alamo Potteries in Hondo until 1951.

He then joined with the late Bruce Blont, a na- live of Gilmer, and Mr. Rowe, a native of Ohio, in organizing a pottery company in Gilmer. All three of these young men invested their money in this company and stock was also sold locally. Gilmer Potteries opened for business here in the fall of 1951. At first the three partners provided Ihe management and sales force and there were only three or four on Ihe pay roll in the factory.

One small kiln did all the work and the entire line of products was utility ware for florists. Increase Employment After the company wos well organized and sales increased the employees were increased to 15 or 20 persons. The company conlinued making a slow and steady growth until 1955 Mr. See POTTER, page 2 This (lie Citation RICHARD S. POTTER of Gilmer is Acclaimed SMALL BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR STATE OF TEXAS For best exemplifying the imagination, initiative, independence and integrity characteristic of America's millions of small businessmen who make a vital contribution lo our growing economy.

EUGENE G. FOLEY, Administrator ROBERT E. WEST, Area Administration HARRY MARTIN, Regional Director May 24, 1965 Second Well 'Good Tests Now in Smackover Board Hires Teachers for Bruce School Gilmer School Board hired principals and teachers for Bruce Schools and set up Ihe school calendar for next year at the regular May meeting last week. Curtis Smith was designated as full-time principal at Bruce and Pat Turner as part-time principal. Teachers are, elementary school, Annie Mae Cobb, Edna L.

Jones, Ola M. Smith, Myrtle Smith, LaRue Ladd, Naomi Brown, M. M. Newhouse, Dorris Newhouse, Blanche M. Turner, Welton Middleton and Gloria King.

High school, Ruby Granville, Arlene Stephenson, Olio Scotl, Charles Stine, Johnnie C. Jackson, Thelma Owens, Donald Clayborn, Joyce Taylor, Shelton Ervin, James E. Beal. Because of lower average attendance figures daily the school earned one less teaching unit. Uncerlainty of coming year's allendance re- sulled in reducing the list by Ruzelle Leggett and Mrs.

Annie B. Hiner were hired as vocalional education leachers, subject to approval for funds under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The board voted to give business manager J. M. Marshall a 3-year contracl slarl- ing in Seplember al an annual salary of $6,300.

School will begin Aug. 30 and-Seplember 6 will be a holiday "for" Labor" "Day. Other holidays will be Oct. 21 and 22, Yamboree; Nov. 25 and 26, Thanksgiving; Dec.

17-Jan. 3, Christmas; April 8 and 11, Easter. May 25 will be the last day of school. The calendar sets up 176 teaching days. He's President BOB GATES, above, is new president of the Upshur County Chamber of Commerce.

Directors elected him at a recent session. He is owner and manager of Gates Youngtown, and has been for the past five years. Prior to that Bob operated Gatcs-Recd Pharmacy for 22 years. He said he would announce committees and a year's objectives in the near future. Bob succeeds Bill Stevenson in the Studio.

Dr. D. T. Graver Takes Houston College Post Dr. D.

T. Graver has accepted a position as associate professor at the Houston Baptist College in Houston. He will teach secondary education and assume his new duties on July 1. Dr. Graver holds the doctor of education degree from the University of Texas.

He has been superintendent of Gilmer schools since 1957 and his wife has been a science teacher at Gilmer Junior High. Troubles in Testing Hit Operators ArkLa Gas a y's second test in its Indian Rock-Gilmer area appears a "good well" from unofficial indications. Testing continues this week in the Smackover zones but every scrap of evidence which can be gleaned is that commercial production is possible from higher zones. And what comes from the current testing, if successful, is that much added. Many production problems remain, if information received by the Mirror is correct.

Ope- ralors and well technicians are not yet prepared to provide definite figures. Tuesday night hole reconditioning work was underway in order to make the third test from a depth of about 12,700 feet. Two previous tests failed when a packer gave way. This is in the Smackover However the confirmation venture already has struck a paying zone at 10,290 feet approximately (not found in the discovery well to the north), and some breaks which will produce in the Cotton Valley lime reef similar to the discovery well, and at about the same depth. The new zone, at the higher elevation, appears "sweet gas," and if it is in extensive supply would provide new impetus to exploration in the area.

At least one more rig is expected to move into the area within a short time, and would drill to the west of these first two ventures. Pirie Acres Show Pine Acres Community Variety Show will be Friday night, May 28 at 7:30 o'clock. Tickets will be 75 cents and 35 cents at the Pine Acres Community Center. 72 Gilmer High Seniors Will Receive Diplomas Tonight Graduation exercises for Gilmer High School's 72 1965 graduates will be held al 8 p.m. Thursday (to- nighl) at the high school auditorium.

Dr. Jared I. Cartlidge, pastor of the First Baptist Church, will deliver the commencement address. High School Principal Leonard Pickitt will award honors and Supt. D.

T. Graver will present diplomas and special awards. Identities of the valedictorian and salulalorian will be disclosed at the graduation exercises. Mrs. Gerald Anderson will present a vocal solo, "The Hills of Home," accompanied by Mrs.

Hollis Arnold. Members of the class are Bobby Abney, Andy Aldredge, Michael Alexander, Sandra Arrington, Melba Baxter, Wesley Bishop, Linda Bledsoe, Stanley Bowers, Amy Bradshaw, Jimmy Brock, Brenda Childress, Karen Clark, Eddy Coleman. Lanora Cross, Tommie a a Dacus, James D. Daniels, Billy Davidson, Betty Lou Davis, Linda Jane Duffey, Tony J. Elwell, Charlotle Fenn'ell, Heln Forrester, Dixon Graves, Michael Saundra Green, Glenda Ham- berMn, Sandra Jane Harkey, Carolyn Ann.

Hill, Stella Janice Hill, Paula Holmes, Belly Lou Huggins, Patricia Ingram, Billy Johnson, Mary Jean Joslin, Jean Knight, John Lange, Kenneth Leard, Nellie McBee, Jim Marshall, Carolyn Marlindale, Johnny Malhis, Kennelh Meister, Jane Ann Michael, Linda Jo Morse, Linda Nordling, Delores O'Neal, Jack Dennis Parsons, Saundra Pate, Gary Patterson, Larry L. Player, Nancy Pool, Elaine Price, Marvin Pritchett, George Proctor, Glenna Ross, Brenda Russell, Keith RutMMt. Waneene Simpson, David Skinner, Beverly Spencer, Janice Steelman, Elaine Slembridge, Jeanne Slephens, Stanley Stokes, Carol Stracener, Allen Threadgill, Donna Tincher, Larry Underwood, Warren Watson, Blair Wilburn, Hal. Glenn Woods, Billy Youngkin. NEW CITY COURTHOUSE provides official atmosphere for work of Gilmer Police Chief Harper Bland, left, nnd Corporation Court Judge J.

W. Brycc, seated. This new space was added (o the city police station recently. It moves the work desks of these two officials away from the radio room and jail office. It also provided more storage and work room for city Photo..