The Taylor Daily Press from Taylor, Texas • Page 1

Duck Basketball In Crucial Test Tonight: je fl Set tditoriol, 4 Sports On Pay 6 VOL. 65. NO. 30 20 Pages In 2 Sections TAYLOR, TEXAS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, micro Btr i FIFTEEN (ENTS KILLEEN, Texas The financial officer of Central Texas College, which is undergoing an audit by the state, denies charges that state funds are being used for the operations of the school's overseas campuses Philip Swartz, Central Texas vice president in charge of finances, said Thursday that the college's overseas operations have brought back about $3 5 million from Europe in revenues to defray costs of the programs, HOUSTON A rookie Houston policeman has testified he saw five former police officers Joe Campos Torres last May and words were folio wed by the sounds of slaps against the handcuffed prisoner, Car less E. Elliott, 23, said he stepped away, not to look Elliott testified I Thursday in the civil rights trial of four former Houston officers He said he was present along with the defendants and another patrolman when was allegedly beaten and pushed into Buffalo Bayou May 6 AUSTIN, Texas State Treasurer candidate Warren G.

Harding says two aides and an assistant attorney general will begin at once to review state fiscal policies to assure better money management Harding, serving as treasurer as an appointee of Gov. Dolph Briscoe since Oct. 5, announced as a candidate Thursday. U'STIN. Texas Texas alone among the 13 Sunbelt states does not have a corporate profits tax.

and tax experts say this makes cozy business climate even cozier. is looked on as the No 1 state in business expansion at this said Walt Lilie of the comptroller's office, the overall tax structure has a lot to do with Lilie and others testified Thursday before a House subcommittee on business taxes. corporate income tax was defeated by the Senate, 16-15, in 1971, the last time it came up. WASHINGTON The average family paid $41 more for domestically produced food last year then in 1976 with all but $2 of the jump going to processors and other middlemen, the Agriculture Department said today. But the figures also show that the proportion going to the farmers held steady at 38 percent from 1976 which was down from a 42 percent share the year before.

WASHINGTON A sharp decline in the labor force may end the overall unemployment problem over the next 10 years. But the inability of college graduates to find suitable jobs among those available could cause serious social upheaval. Those conclusions were drawn by the staff of the congressional Joint Economic Committee in a report issued Thursday that attempts to gauge prospects for long-term growth in the U.S. economy. Talk About Town John Turner has been appointed TIF Days chairman for 1978 Plans are still being formulated, but there will definitely be the popular celebration again this year, according to Bob Roberts, Chamber of Commerce president Have you watched those ducks park being fed by park caretakers? Lots of grain and feed scattered for them.

But like greedy children, if park visitors throw feed to them, think thev were Don't let them fool you The provides ample feed A big thank you to the men of the Taylor Fire Department and to the interested people of lor in helping provide a happy Christmas for 462 people during the Pals program. Weber Issues Reminder David Weber, tax assessor and collector for both the City of Taylor and the Taylor School District, has reminded residents that it is time to file for exemptions and for exemptions, A certificate from the Veterans Administration is necessary for the allowance of a A exemption, Weber said Certificates are issued from VA each year, and Weber emphasized that current notice must be presented. Kor the group wanting their homestead given the $3,000 exemption provided by the city and school, a yearly registration is necessary. Deadline for the filings is April 30 It is also time to file a declaration of personal property for tax purposes, Weber continued. Of chief interest in personal property is the matter of furniture, fixtures and inventories of businesses.

Weber has the power and the obligation to make a rendition on such personal property if the owner does not do so, according to state law, businesses or fixtures have been sold during any year, the owner should report to the lax office, giving the name and address of the Weber continued Decisions Reached At Pflugerville PFLUGERVILLE It was a relatively short meeting for Pflugerville School Trustees Thursday night, but the board reached three major decisions regarding finances, future buildings and Supt. Kermit Heimann. Before 10 trustees had voted to retain the 55 percent tax assessment ratio, the superintendent reported. Trustees also agreed that expanding the new elementary school to house 750 students would be top building priority. An addition to the high school would come second, Heimann said, noting that the high school could hold out a couple more High school dressing rooms will have to be expanded earlier though, he said, Trustees also extended the contract for two years.

Heimann, who came to the district three years ago, works under a three-year contract that expires in 1979. His extension carries him through 1981, he said, Trustees also gave the go- ahead to draw up plans for the athletic storage building. Heimann said, however, that the board is still studying information regarding a new bus transportation facility. 60 Persons Stranded Behind Wall Of Snow ROACHDALE. Ind Work crews dug through a wall of snow today to rescue 60 persons stranded more than 12 hours on an Amtrak passenger train that stalled in a snowdrift and then froze to the rails The 45 passengers and 15 crewmembers on the Chicago Florida bound Floridian were ferried aboard snowplow locomotives to a nearby crossing, and then driven in trucks to a fire station in the town of Bainbridge.

During their ordeal, all aboard the seven-car train moved into the lead locomotive and huddled under layers of blankets for warmth, but four hours before the rescue water ran out for the trains steam- heating system and some passengers suffered frostbite, authorities said The train stalled about noon near this rural community about 33 miles west of Indianapolis at the height of a blizzard swept by winds 40 to 50 mph. Isham Ike' Coward Leaving Hutto Post TREE PLANTING Jan 20 was Arbor Day, but Junior Garden Club members not to be discouraged by the bad weather on the official day Thursday, Jan 26 they gathered in the Grove on the Hike and Bike Trail ami planted a sturdy live oak Assisting in the planting process were Sarah Schulz, Cathy Cummings, Klifton Kruger. Kristi Kruger, Kim Radomski and Janie Stone Not present for ceremony were Michael and Karen Miller. Mrs Miller and Mrs Lonnie Kruger are sponsors and Mrs I). Cummings assists, photo) School Trustees Discuss Alternatives It Was Confusing Night At Round Rock Meeting By CICELY WYNNE Staff Writer ROUND ROCK After long and heavy debate Thursday, Round Rock School trustees finally postponed a decision on the content of a bond issue until the regular Feb 9 board meeting An overflow crowd of about 75 people showed up to for different proposals.

While a large Anderson Mill contingency came with facts and figures to battle for a four year high school, others voiced equally determined opposition to two of three administrative suggestions that would reduce Round Rock High School to grades 11 and 12 in an effort save funds and relieve critical overcrowding in the fall of 1979 Trustees squirmed between the rock and the hard place, looking frustrated, even after an hour recess in which trustees tried to come up with a plan. Their dilemma: how to provide for overcrowding at the high school and middle school by fall, 1979 as well as other needs with only $6 million in bonding capacity. By 11:40 p.m., many in the audience seemed to share the confusion at having to piece together a proposal from Supt. Noel three suggestions, two Anderson Mill plans and their own suggestions Grisham had suggested three alternatives that immediately divided the audience into opposing camps. His top priority $5.4 million plan would reduce the high school, which is already at capacity, to grades 11 and 12 in 1979 and place the overflow 10) in an enlarged district wide ninth grade center ($1 million) under construction two blocks from the high school.

The plan also included $2 million for a middle school in Brushy Creek, $500,000 to enlarge Forest North Elementary, $1 million fof Mesa Village East Elementary and $900,000 for equipment, fees and land. A similar $5,9 million plan would substitute a $2 5 million Anderson Mill Junior High for the $2 million Brushy Creek Middle School. Grisham Middle School is already full, so spacf for middle school students should be an immediate priority, trustees agreed A group of Anderson Mill residents came prepared, complete with handouts, to suggest $6 4 and $7 4 million plans. One would include a three year, $3 million Anderson Mill High School and the present four year AAA A Round Rock High School, as well as converting the new ninth grade center to a 7-8 grade center The $7 4 million plan calls for a $4 million four year high school cm the Anderson Mill site. However, by the close of the meeting, no clear plan emerged, although two trustees apparently leaned toward some kind of a plan for a 9-10 grade Anderson Mill High school that could be expanded later a suggestion that angered some Anderson Mill parents The $6 million bonding capacity, estimated to be available in July, could still mean a a larger, spring bond issue and two four year high (See MEETING, Page 10) Taylor 'Santa Pals' Program Successful Pals helped a total of 462 people in the area have a much better Christmas than they had expired The program, originating in the Taylor Fire Department and supervised by Fire Marshal Haywood Stanford was a cooperative effort of the fire fighters and the people of Taylor, particularly the service clubs of the City.

organization joined with us to make a success of the Stanford said as he began writing letters of thanks for help A total of $530 was contributed, Louil Sorenson, secretary treasurer of the program, reported Of that amount, $375 came from service clubs, and the remainder from individuals or church organizations There were 114 families helped with toys, food, and items donated during the drive for the Christmas distribution. There were 339 children in the families and 123 adults. Toys, bicycles, tricycles Utility Shed Bums In Noock Community A butchered sheep, being processed for a barbecue, went up in smoke too soon when a utility shed on the Eddie Krueger farm near Noack burned to the ground about 2:30 a.m Friday. was lucky that there was little wind at the one firefighter said there been much wind, the near-by house and barn would have been burned, The shed was used for storage, and odd jobs. Fire had been left in the small stove and all the contents were destroyed.

A less serious fire was handled at 10:20 a.m, Thursday when a curtain in a home at 304 East Pecan caught fire from a near-by stove. Damage was confined mostly to the one room. (See SHED, Page 10) and other items painted and repaired used up $113 39 of the amount contributed. New toys pur chased to supplement those that were donated cost $127.67 and provided each child with a toy suitable for the age. Small bags of candy, one for each child, cost $71 99 A balance of $216 95 remains in the fund, that the program will continue next Stanford said in making the report looking forward to working with you next Stanford wrote as he thanked each one for the cooperation and the good will expressed by making the program a success.

Frost's Nixon Book Revealing NEW YORK (AP) Richard Nixon is quoted in a forthcoming hook by David Frost as saying that lie decided to resign the presidency only after Alabama Gov. George Wallace refused to use his influence to help rally congressional support for the beleagured president Nixon said his decision to resign was made two weeks before he stepped down Aug. 9, 1974, and came after Wallace refused his request to intercede with Rep Walter Flowers to vote against (See BOOK, Page 10) Tax Deadfine Nears For Thrall Schools THRALL Deadline for paying the 1977 Thrall Independent School Tax without penalty is Tuesday, Jan. 31 Penalty and interest charges will be levied beginning Wednesday. Feb 1, according to information from the Thrall School tax office located in the Thrall High School building.

Office hours are from 7:30 a to 3:30 p.m. HUTTO In a move hich apparently surprised everyone but the Hutto School Board, controversial Hutto Supt Isham Coward told The Taylor Press Friday morning that he will resign June 30 The 60 year old Superintendent had no comment on resignation except to say that a major reason for his departure is in particular, an ulcer Coward, who was sharply by High School Principal Kirbv Priest and the secondary staff in early November, could have stayed until June, 1979, when his contract expired After serving as a Coach and principal at all levels. Coward joined the district July, 1974 His contract was renewed last vear Coward said he had not made any plans for the future yet and doesn't know he'll retire from schools think in the best interest of the commented School Board President Edward I adding that he regrets the circumstances under which Coward is leaving I zsch acknowledged that tlie board had accepted Coward's impending resignation in November shortly after the long list of allegations was presented, but had kept the decision confidential to allow Coward time to finish the year and announce his decision later, in time to find another administrator, Lantech said, noting that the board then agreed in session to accept the resignation Lantzsch also noted that had run very since the charges were aired and the board revised policies. Priest, one of these who signed a petition asking that Coward lie relieved of most of his duties, declined to comment Friday He did say, however, that since November, the school lias run way a school should On Nov. 3, a group of 14 teachers, mcluling Priest and the secondary school staff, charged that Coward had physcially threatened students, alienated neighboring school districts, embarrased the district.

Hutto Trustees Discuss Repairs HUTTO School trustees continued to work on completing various repairs during a special board meeting Thursday. Supt Isham Coward said trustees are still trying to get adequate bids for restroom repairs as well as negotiate with the contractor of the new building to repair a leaky roof. The board is also seeking estimates to repair the leaking gym roof, Coward said. A plat will also be presented showing the proposed location of playground equipment that will be purchased School Board policies also received final approval that teachers could be given copies, he added harassed teachers and, in general, had been a poor manager Lantzsch sani he did not know when a new superintendent would be hired, but that the search would begin soon and a ould he announced well before June Don Yarbrough Found 'Guilty' Annexation Passes One Reading AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A judge refused to declare a mistrial in the Don Yarbrough perjury trial today after what a defense lawyer called the gut error" of a prosecutor's question about Yarbrough's alleged forgery of a car title The prosecution agreed to withdraw the question The question came during cross examination of the for mer Supreme Court justice in the punishment phase of the trial Yarbrough was found guilty of perjury Thursday. A tearful Yarbrough told the court God had forgiven him for his wrongdoing but when he told that to world, was not well received face was red and contorted in a vain effort to stop from crying Several times he took tissues from a and blew his nose When he asked why he lied to a Travi County grand jury last June 28, he paused for a long time, you hear my question, asked his lawyer Waggoner Carr sir It's not a simple answer.

a swirling vortex like a whirlpool, I relate it in a simple answer I was just cornered into A few days after that grand jury meeting, Yarbrough called a news conference and confessed he had done wrong, But he said he was ridiculed for his reference to God's forgiveness and attacks on him grew even worse was pride now. There was pride now a Jacobson Seeks Commission Post Lester W. Jacobson Wednesday afternoon filed for a place on the April 1 ballot for City Commission. Jacobson, a native Taylorite, gave the following statement: I would like to announce that I will be a candidate for the office of City Commissioner of the City of Taylor in the April 1st Election. I believe that 1 am qualified to serve on the Commission and would like to point out my background and experience for your review 1 have always believed in serving our community and will work diligently to take the time necessary to get job done, I am a native of Taylor and married the former Carolyn Braker of Taylor LWe have two children, Lisa who is a sophomore at Texas University, and who is in the seventh grade at Taylor Middle School.

I have operated a real business for the past 13 years in Taylor, during which time I have been (See JACOBSON, Page 10) been by a very destructive force Pride was he said The prosecution then suggested to Yarbrough that of events that just pushed me up into a situation I have a created by Don Yar brough alone the moat part, yes Yarbrough replied am sure that ninety to ninety five percent of it is my fault But I'm also sure that you don't take and in fluence away from the people who have it and have them like it." Yarbrough said It took the jury only 13 minutes Thursday to find Yarbrough guilty of aggravated jury Maximum punishment is 2 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine The defense will ask the jury to grant Yarbrough probation Houston District Attorney Carol Vance argued for only 15 minutes Defense attorneys argued not at all, claiming they had denied a jury trial decision of the judge Jim Boutwell Is Candidate Jim Boutwell has announced tus candidacy for Williamson County Sheriff Boutwell, who is 50 years old. is married, has three children, and one grandchild. He is a Navy veteran of WWII, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the VFW As a certified law enforcement officer, he has attended numerous courses in criminal investigation, and has instructed classes at Department of Public Safety in Austin He is vice president of the Williamson County Law Enforcement Association, Boutwell is also a commercial pilot with multi engine ratings His law enforcement experience began in 1947 when he joined the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was the second to lie appointed to the DPS Intelligence Division, and was commissioned as a Texas Ranger, He moved to Georgetown in 1956, starting an aircraft sales agency. However, former Sheriff Henry Matysek appointed (See BOUTWELL, Page 10) JIM BOUTWELL Today CLOUDY ROUND ROCK Although the annexation of some 360 acres including Old Town was approved on first reading Thursday, the area could still be annexed voluntarily if some residents have their way.

Several residents told council Thursday that they would circulate a petition to have the area annexed by consent instead of city council vote. Council passed the ordinance on first reading and should meet Tuesday or Wednesday to see if a petition has materialized before considering second reading Council also voted to zone the Green hill duplex plan on duplexes after learning that a park in the 14-acre subdivision had been moved to satisfy neighbors. The subdivision, which was annexed in December, had come under fire from the Mesa Village Homeowners Association because it required that the city grant several small but allegedly precedent setting variances in lot depth and setbacks Council also tabled indefinitely any plans to enter into a Texas Municipal league study of the proposed 18 4 percent Texas Power and Light rate increase. In other action, council voted to spend $6,000 on a city drainage city and authorized City Manager James Samuelson to work with Parks Director Mario Seminara in developing a general plan for city parks. Reversing a decision made last week, council authorized Mayor Ray Litton to enter into contract negotiations with an Austin law firm for purchase of Lake Travis water.

At a meeting last week, council gave the authority to Samuelson, but the city charter later revealed that the responsibility to sign contracts belonged to the mayor LESTER JACOBSON WEATIIEB FORECAST: Partly cloudy and cool today, becoming mostly cloudy Saturday East Southeast winds 10-15 m.p.h No rain is in the forecast. RANGE: 39 to upper 50's Range: mid 30s to upper 50s Yesterdays High: 47 Rainfall: Sunrise: 7:24 a.m. Sunset: 6 03 p.m. Moonrise. 9:23 p.m.

Moonset: 9:51 a.m. LAKE LEVELS Travis: St. 664 Buchannan; St. 1013.76’. S.

Weather Forecast for Taylor and Williamson County..