The Daily Press http://www.sweetwaterreporter.com http://www.sweetwaterreporter.com/apfeed.xml--1 Copyright The Daily Press 2013-05-17T17:45:28-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87642013-05-17T17:45:28-04:002013-05-17T12:10:46-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterJesus, when speaking to His disciples in Matthew 19:14 said, “Suffer the little children and forbid them not to come unto me...” In Proverbs we read that we are to “train up a child in the way he should go.” Children are important to the Lord and should be important to us. God gave them to us, so that we could raise them in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Teaching children about Christ at an early age will give them a life to serve, love and be used of God in a special way. Jonathan Edwards, the great puritan preacher, was saved at 7. Matthew Henry, the great commentator, was saved at 11. Spurgeon was saved at 12. On a personal note, I trusted Christ as my Savior at the age of 10. Parents, grandparents and guardians of children, let’s not keep our children from knowing the Savior, for they are never too young to begin to learn and know Him.Here at Broadway we love children and have several different ministries geared for them and for the purpose of bringing them to Christ. On Sunday morning during adult church, we offer the Kid Zone program for grades first through fifth, and we offer the Little Tots ministries for children ages three through five years. During the school year on Wednesday nights we offer Wiseguys.  During the summer we offer Junior Camp and VBS, because we believe every child deserves an opportunity to hear of the love of Christ.This Sunday, May 19, is Children’s Day at Broadway and each children’s ministry will be performing. We would like to invite you to come and enjoy the children’s program as they share the love of Christ with us.If you don’t have a church home, we would love for you to visit us at Broadway Baptist Church on 710 E. Third Street this Sunday. Our Life Groups, which is for all ages, starts at 10 a.m. Our morning service is at 10:50 a.m. and our evening service begins at 6 p.m. Come and let us be a blessing to you as we worship the Lord together.EMMANUEL FELLOWSHIP CHURCHWe invite you to join us this Sunday at Emmanuel Fellowship Church. Our Sunday morning services are at 9 a.m. and 11 .am. Both morning services are filled with the same warm fellowship, dynamic worship and life-giving messages, as well as top-notch children’s ministry and nursery care for children up to fifth grade. This week, we wrap up our New Testament Challenge by exploring what the New Testament has to say about “Eternity.” If you would like to prepare your heart for the service with a daily reading, log on to www.efcsweetwater.com and click on the “New Testament Challenge” link. This Sunday, we will also be celebrating several people’s decision to follow the Lord Jesus with a Baptism service. We invite you to join us for this special time.EFC’s Wednesday evening children’s ministry, “Faith Factory” is in full-swing, with children ages birth through fifth grade exploring what living life with Jesus really looks like. They meet Wednesdays from 6:45-8:30 p.m. and are loving their all-new facilities.The Salvage Yard youth ministry, for grades 6-12, meets Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. for their worship service and again on Sundays at 6 p.m. for small group discipleship. The Salvage Yard is also sponsoring a “Kids’ Night Out” this Saturday, from 6-10 p.m. Parents are invited to drop their kids to the Yard for an evening of food, games, a jumpy castle and a kid-friendly movie. The cost is $15 per child, and all proceeds go to improvements in the Salvage Yard.Lifegroups for adults meet Monday evenings (Young Adults Group, Tuesday evenings (Celebrate Recovery) and Wednesday evenings (Family Groups and Women’s Group) at 7 p.m. For more information on how to connect with a small group, check out the Lifegroups display in the church foyer, or log online to www.efcsweetwater.com.We also invite you to step into The Growth Central Bookstore when you visit EFC. It’s stocked with Bibles, study aids, devotionals, marriage and parenting resources, worship music, inspirational gifts, original art and fiction books — there’s something for everyone. The bookstore is open between Sunday morning services, from 10:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m. For more information about the ministry of EFC, log onto the church website atwww.efcsweetwater.com.FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFirst Baptist Church invites you and your family to join us on this Sunday May 19, for Bible study, beginning at 9:15 a.m. for all ages, followed by the Sunday morning service, which begins at 10:30 a.m. First Baptist Church is located at 213 East Third Street, next door to the Post Office. All are welcome. Your presence will enhance our worship experience and fellowship together.There are many opportunities for service. Children’s Church facilitators are always welcome. High School Camp will be June 9-14. Vacation Bible School will be June 24-27. P3 at Circle Drive will be July 7-11. Missions Camp will be July 30-August 2. Lad and Lassie Camp will be August 2 and 3. Day Camp will be on August 3. P3 at Coral Cove will be August 4-8.All the summer camps are tied together under one church theme: “Refuge: Who Is Your Strength?” with a theme verse of Psalm 46:1. When you sign your student up for camp, they will receive a First Baptist Church camp shirt. Camp balances are due May 26.We are in the process of forming a rotation of bus drivers to pick up children on Sunday mornings. If you are interested, please contact Phillip Thomas.The church food pantry is in need of canned food and plastic bags. Please contact a member of the Missions Committee for more information.Heart Gallery is a collection of portraits featuring children in foster care who are currently waiting to be adopted. Please join us in prayer for those who are pictured in the foyer.The students will be having several fundraisers for camp and other summer activities. The youth will be painting addresses on driveways and curbs for donations. If you need your address updated so people can see it better, let Tique Hamilton know. The Sunday school leadership meeting will be on May 19, at 8:30 a.m. in the Welcome Center.Monday, May 20, at 10 a.m., Women on Mission will host a guest speaker. Come hear Adabelle Clark, director for the Women’s Resource Center, inform us about all that the Women’s Resource Center does for the community.We have 10 seniors graduating from high school. Join us on Sunday, May 26, as we celebrate our seniors and their accomplishments.We will be having Summer Sunday nights Bible study. Phillip Thomas will be facilitating a comparative religion study on June 16, June 23, and June 30; July 21 and July 28; and August 11. Please join us in this informative study.For in depth information on First Baptist Church Sweetwater, find us on Facebook or at www.fbcsweetwater.org.FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHSweetwater First United Methodist Church wants to invite you to join us on Sunday mornings to worship and praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The United Methodist Church is open to all persons and is a place where all are welcome and encouraged to “come as you are” with the expectation that by the grace of God you will leave different. The change that a relationship with Christ brings about is a life-changing encounter and we believe that while God accepts us as we are, He loves us enough not to leave us in our sins. We believe that Scripture informs all aspects of our lives and should be our rule and authority.The first service begins at 8:45 a.m. and is built around a traditional model with great hymns of the church. This service uses a more liturgical framework and often employs a wonderful choir. Immediately following the first service we have Sunday school classes for all ages and stages of life. We invite you to try one of our many opportunities to come together and seek God in small groups that emphasize God’s Word and proclaim His glory. At 10:50 a.m. we have a second worship service that has a decidedly contemporary flavor and incorporates more of progressive style and pace. This second service also has a “Children’s Church” for kids in preschool through third grade. The children stay through our time of praise and then go to their own worship service.Sweetwater FUMC also has youth activities on Sunday nights beginning at 6 p.m. with a prayer and praise time that we call Adoratio. Every Tuesday and Wednesday FUMC hosts the Gaylord’s Pantry and a clothes closet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please enter through the North (4th street) entrance if you would like to receive God’s blessing through either of these ministries.News this week: This is Pentecost Sunday — come worship with us in the Spirit of God! The Lord poured out His Spirit on those who believed Him shortly after Jesus resurrection. That has meaning for us today as we live a life in the Spirit that results in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.Activities this week:Sunday at 8:45 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. — Worship.Sunday at 6 p.m. — Adoratio. Sunday at 6:30 p.m. — Youth.Wednesday at 10 a.m. — Bible study. Thursday 3:45-5 p.m. — Youth praise team.Fun activities are offered at different times during the month for fourth through sixth graders (Club 456) and first through third graders (UMKids). If you have any questions call Linda at our church office (325-236-6617) or email churchoffice@fumcsweetwater.org. If you need prayer or have the need to contact our pastor you can call the same number or email him at pastor@fumcsweetwater.org.HIGHLAND HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHJoin the excitement at Highland Heights United Methodist Church. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-racial congregation, serving the Lord in unity and purpose, where the contribution of everyone is valued and welcome. The congregation and staff of Highland Heights is a friendly God loving people — join us as we praise God together and practice unity here on earth until he comes again in Glory.For more information, call the church at 325-235-2454 or the parsonage at 325-933-4296 (Monday through Wednesday). Highland Heights United Methodist Church is located at 1801 Lamar Street in Sweetwater. The pastor is Rev. Claude A. McKiddy.Our Church's Mission Statement: "To glorify Christ in all that we do by bringing People to Christ and equipping them to serve Christ."Join us for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:45 a.m., with special guest speaker, Rev. Allen Brooks. Worship assistants are Betty Merrell serving as worship leader, Brenda Alexander leads the congregational hymns and plays the keyboard, pianist is Eugenia Hill and our greeter for the month of May is Deena Kirkpatrick. The worship service will be blessed with a musical selection presented by Susan Brooks.High school and college graduations fill the month of May and early June. It is a time of celebrating accomplishments and looking forward to new beginnings. “Bless This House” is calling upon prayer for these young people as they make decisions and choices in pursuing their individual dreams. Pray they recognize the doors of opportunity that God provides and rely upon Him for strength and perseverance in times of joy and times of difficulty.Sweetwater, TXNo author availableChurches begin planning summer camps, VBSSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8764Change0Usable2013-05-17T12:10:46-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87632013-05-17T15:44:04-04:002013-05-17T12:07:42-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterSweetwater, TXNo author availableNolan County 4-H Meats Judging Team wins contestSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8763Change0Usable2013-05-17T12:07:42-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87622013-05-17T12:04:39-04:002013-05-17T12:04:39-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterEthan Charles Stringer was indicted for indecency with a child by contact, a second degree felony. Court documents state that Stringer's victim was a male, younger than 17 years of age. His bond was set at $50,000.Mark Dale Douglas was indicted for prohibited weapons, a third degree felony. Court documents state that on March 13, 2013, Douglas possessed a short barrel firearm — a modified single-shot Harrington and Richardson 16-gauge shotgun. His bond was set at $7,500.Lashondrick Dlon Richardson was indicted for possession of a controlled substance, namely cocaine, a state jail felony. Richardson was in possession of less than one gram of cocaine on Sept. 18, 2012, according to court documents. His bond was set at $5,000.Ricky Apolonia Amaya, Jr. was indicted for evading arrest with a vehicle, a third degree felony. Court documents state that Amaya intentionally fled from a Sweetwater police officer using a vehicle on March 23, 2012, knowing the peace officer was attempting to lawfully arrest or detain him. His bond was set at $7,500.Sweetwater, TXTatiana RodriguezGrand Jury indicts 11Sweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8762Change0Usable2013-05-17T12:04:39-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87612013-05-17T12:03:29-04:002013-05-17T12:03:29-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterSweetwater, TXNo author availableDevon Energy donates to local fire departmentsSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8761Change0Usable2013-05-17T12:03:29-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87602013-05-17T12:00:49-04:002013-05-17T12:00:49-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterCity Manager Eddie Brown recently negotiated a deal with a prepared contract, which was then returned by the company with some changes that were noted by Brown at the meeting. Although approval was given at the April meeting for Brown to negotiate the deal, any changes would be brought before the city commission for final approval.The main concern with one of the changes was that the company has asked that no other competing operations take place, with the exclusion of the nearby golf course and RV park. Several events, such as the annual triathlon, take place at the lake.Some dialogue was exchanged on the issue, in which Precinct 2 Commissioner Jim McKenzie questioned how the city could control sales at the lake. This type of stipulation, he said, could limit anyone who wants to have a fundraiser or catered event at the lake.Larry May, city commissioner for Precinct 1, asked if a provision could be included where the city manager could make a decision at his discretion. So that further negotiations could continue, the commissioners decided to table the item while the bait shop continues to run under the current lease.However, the commissioners gave approval for the City Manager to file an authorization for trespass warning against Vivian Williams and Barbara Gray with the Nolan County Sheriff's Office. The warning covers all public property surrounding and on Lake Sweetwater and also includes--but is not limited to--conducting fishing tournaments on city property or lakes.Brown described that G.M. Morgan, Inc. bought the company from the two ladies, who were original employees of the business. However, the warning was placed against them after they tried to run competitions on site.The city manager added that since Williams sold her rights to run any kind of competition when she sold the shop, the only entity that should be in charge of fishing tournaments must be the bait shop. Brown stated that plans are in place to prevent this type of incident in the future.Also during the meeting, approval was given to reject the oil and gas mineral lease agreements on six sections of city-owned properties on Lake Sweetwater, which were proposed by Eagle Oil and Gas Company.The unsolicited offers were for three-year leases, but the city was concerned that the work would be similar to what has been taking place at Lake Trammel. Last year, twelve wells were put out at Lake Trammel. Sweetwater, TXBelinda SerranoNegotiations continue on bait shop leaseSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8760Change0Usable2013-05-17T12:00:49-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87562013-05-17T09:11:52-04:002013-05-17T09:11:52-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterTonight, expect mostly clear skies with a low around 72. Winds will remain from the south-southeast at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.We'll have a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon and evening, but expect highs this weekend in the high 90s and lows in the 70s. Winds will be moderately strong, with gusts from the south as high as 30 mph.Sweetwater, TXNo author availableLocal weekend weatherSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8756Change0Usable2013-05-17T09:11:52-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87522013-05-16T16:03:33-04:002013-05-16T11:56:17-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterParticipants can experience the wonder and excitement of designing and programming robots in a collegial environment, while also choosing to experience other fun activities that include art, math, medicine or technology. Sessions are broken into half-day and full-day camps so that students can select the best choice for them. Everyone will receive a free t-shirt and goodie bag.The robotics section will give participants an opportunity to program the Lego Mindstorms NXT module, either in a beginning class or advanced program.In the basic program, students will get started with NXT programming in the special LEGO NXT LabView environment. This includes upload/download with the NXT module, basic movement instructions, concepts of programming such as loops and switches, using "switch" to respond to inputs, and simple loops.The advanced robotics section will also get students involved with automating NXT robot motion. This includes recording macros to repeat a given set of instructions; setting up each of the main sensor types--ultrasound, microphone, optical and pushbutton; using switches/loops to control behavior; and the concepts of automation in industry.Participants will also dive into the world of engineering by building robots using the Lego Mindstorms NXT module. Basic and advanced engineering sections are tentatively set, with the main difference being the difficulty level of the build projects.The engineering section will include the concepts of structure--static force, torque, stress and strain; basic building techniques; and advanced building techniques. The morning half-day session will run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon while the afternoon session will run from 1-4 p.m.; each session will cost $75. Students can also sign up for the full day camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the cost of $150 with lunch provided. Participants can choose to take part in the beginning or advanced robotics program. If the participant chooses to attend all day, they have a choice in what other activity they would like to participate in, in addition to the engineering and robotics. Students will be able to list their first two choices for the additional activity in the full-day camp.In the art elective, students can discover their artistic side and be inspired to create their own masterpieces in lots of fun materials. Participants can either build, sketch and paint, while also discovering the arts through imaginative games, activities and art making. The math course allows kids to participate in fun, hands-on activities involving new and familiar math skills. They will also incorporate these skills into real world applications, such as the wind energy and nursing programs here at TSTC.During the medicine class, this field can be explored to find out where students' interests lie in the world of the healthcare profession and what can be done to achieve their educational and professional goals. Students get hands-on-training in CPR/first aid along with the opportunity to visit Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital and Sweetwater Fire Department.In the technology class, participants will learn and experience a variety of technology skills including iPads, digital cameras, jump drives, and Microsoft Office programs. They will also visit the Technology and Communication department at TSTC.Sweetwater, TXBelinda SerranoRegistration continues for TSTC, Ludlum robotics campSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8752Change0Usable2013-05-16T11:56:17-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87512013-05-16T11:54:53-04:002013-05-16T11:54:53-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterThe work is being done by Turner Construction, a San-Antonio based company, as the façade of the courthouse will be completely reconstructed. At least two entries will remain open throughout the duration of the construction, which is expected to be completed sometime this fall.Sweetwater, TXNo author availableCourthouse work continuesSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8751Change0Usable2013-05-16T11:54:53-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87502013-05-16T11:53:40-04:002013-05-16T11:53:40-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterA proclamation from Texas Governor Rick Perry was read by Mayor Greg Wortham, which praised the men and women who dedicate their lives to protect the public through their heroic actions. This week allows for an annual tribute to fallen heroes, in which all of Texas is invited to honor those who lay down their lives for others.Additionally, Wednesday was cited as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Sweetwater Lieutenant Randy Hanes and Chief of Police Brian Frieda were in attendance to take part in the recognition at the meeting.Several action items were also presented at the meeting, as approval was given for SEED's (Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development) separate incentive offers to Crest Pumping Technologies and Resource Transport.The executive director of SEED, Ken Becker, presented some information to the commission. The first company is a provider of downhole cementing services while the latter company transports frack sand.During SEED's special-called meeting on May 1, the board agreed to offer incentives to the companies. Sweetwater, with its proximity to Interstate 20, boasts itself as a good location, but other factors--like incentives, among others--make it a great location.It was noted that at this time, there are no sand companies in the city. And while the incentives have been offered, the companies have not yet selected a location in town.In addition, a resolution was approved that authorizes the city to continue their participation with the Steering Committee of Cities served by Oncor Electric Delivery Company, while also authorizing the payment of 10 cents per capita for their involvement. The steering committee--which is made up by about 150 cites in the state--works to get the best possible rates from Oncor. The total cost for continued participation totals about $1,100.The minutes for the meeting held on April 9, 2013 were approved, while approval was additionally given toward a public hearing date of August 13 for the consideration of repair or demolition for substandard structures. Sweetwater, TXBelinda SerranoLaw Enforcement Week recognized by city commissionSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8750Change0Usable2013-05-16T11:53:40-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:87492013-05-16T11:52:04-04:002013-05-16T11:52:04-04:00Copyright 2010 Sweetwater ReporterSweetwater, TXNo author availableFuture Sweetwater class graduatesSweetwater Reporterurn:publicid:dailypress.com:8749Change0Usable2013-05-16T11:52:04-04:00