2019 has been quite a year. On a National level, we have seen intolerance and hurt feelings rise to an all time high (or low). We have seen divisiveness on a whole new scale, not brought about by any one person, but by political parties or groups seemingly bent on division. We have seen mass shootings. We have seen miscarriage of justice in one form or another.
But, we have also seen plenty of good in our land. We have seen people rise up and say they are fed up. We have seen people taking care of one another. We have seen the millions who actually just get up and do what is right each day and go to bed, without needing to be seen or heard by any news media.
Locally, we have seen plenty too. Here are the stories considered as the Top Ten Stories for Terry County in 2019, as determined by the TownTalk Editorial Staff.
#10 – Red Raiders play in National Championship Game – How ‘bout them Red Raiders?! We saw our Red Raiders, with local boy Mark Adams as the “Defensive Genius” of the team on the bench beside Head Coach Chris Beard play in the National Championship Game. A big event for everyone! We now hear the Red Raiders mentioned in teams in contention conversation regularly on the National level.
#9 – Wellman-Union ISD celebrated 100 years – The consolidated school district celebrated the 100th Anniversary of both Wellman and Union this year with great fanfare. Hundreds turned out for the Homecoming celebration which highlighted the big moments from both school districts before they became one. W-U also said good-bye to Superintendent Aaron Waldrip and welcomed Interim Superintendent David Foote. The Cats also welcomed new football coach Brian Sepkowitz to the fold.
#8 – Sheriff Larry Gilbreath resigns – In June of this year, in what seemed like a surprise move, Larry Gilbreath resigned as Sheriff of Terry County. Gilbreath had held this position for over 10 years. The County Commissioners immediately named Chief Deputy Timothy Click as the Interim Sheriff to complete the term of office. Gilbreath had formerly served as a Texas Ranger and stated that he felt honored to have been able to serve the public in these two prestigious positions.
#7 – BISD rating goes up – Under the watchful eye of BISD Superintendent Chris Smith, the district has seen their ratings continually rise. This year, the District went from a D to a C and all campuses moved up at least one letter grade. Financially, the District went from a C with risk indicators to a Superior rating of an A with zero indicators. Also, the new Lady Cub Softball field is nearing completion. It is a great time to be a Cub!
#6 – BIDCorp Executive Director David Partlow resigns – After seven years of leading the Industrial Development Corporation, Partlow offered his resignation in May, to be effective in July. The BIDCorp Board of Directors accepted applications for 60 days before naming one of its own as Partlow’s replacement. Brian Brisendine officially took over as the new Executive Director on October 1. One of the crowning achievements of Partlow’s tenure was the facilitation of the retention and expansion of Halliburton.
#5 – Building Projects across town – The City saw major building projects taking place in many areas. The new softball and baseball complex in the park is nearing completion and the $4 million project is looking like one of the best in the area. Brownfield Regional Medical Center is currently in the process of redoing the long underused two-story wing to create a state of the art Labor and Delivery and Surgical wing, as well as the bottom floor being renovated for the BRMC Clinic. It should all be completed in 2020.
#4 – Secret meeting held by Burrows – News broke this year that sent voters reeling. It was announced that Representative Dustin Burrows had met in a secret meeting with former Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen. The conversation released from that meeting had Burrows quoted as saying “we hate cities and counties” and that he wanted “this session to be historically bad for cities and counties.” Burrows has apologized and is now seeking re-election to his position.
#3 – Local physician sentenced – Sentencing was announced for local Dr. Dennis Tedford and he will be spending the next five years in prison for the misuse and abuse of controlled substances, mainly hydrocodones. Tedford had prescribed over 500,000 doses to 341 patients during the investigation period.
#2 – City Council terminates City Manager – The Brownfield City Manager voted by a 4-3 margin to terminate long time City Manager Eldon Jobe. In a statement from Mayor Gerry Gonzales, he explained the City Council felt the City needed to go in a different direction and be more progressive at this time. Assistant City Manager Jeff Davis was then named interim and just a few weeks later, was promoted to permanent City Manager by the Council.
And the Number One story for Terry County for the year was
#1 – Voters pass BISD Bond election – A bond election was held to build a new high school building on land adjacent to the current high school. Middle school will then move into the current high school building and the current middle school building will be demolished, except for the gyms and the auditorium portion of the building.The $40 million bond passed by a margin of 651-432.
2019 was an eventful year, for sure. But, we were blessed!
