Bryant’s contract extended

By LOU ANTONELLI

Managing Editor

Clarksville school trustees, at their regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 11, conducted the annual evaluation of Supt. Pam Bryant, and afterwards extended her contract three years, until June 2021.

In Texas, school superintendents traditionally have three year contracts which are extended a year at a time. The TEA recommends school trustees do their annual evaluations of their superintendents each January,

In January of last year, Bryant’s contract was not extended by a 4-3 vote following her annual evaluation, with Manny Avila, Lanetta Roberts, John McPeters and Kathy Garrison  against the extension, and Robert Beaty, Greg Lewis and WaDonna Cherry in favor. Therefore her contract was set to end in June 2019.

Avila was not re-elected in May – being replaced by Pam Russell - and Roberts was not at the Jan. 11 meeting. This time the contract extension was approved unanimously, 6-0.

“I want to express my humble thanks to the CISD Board in their vote to extend my contract back to a three-year cycle,” said Bryant. “Their confidence in my leadership is greatly appreciated.”

:I always have and always will continue to do my utmost best as Clarksville ISD Superintendent!” she said.

In other personnel action at the meeting following the executive session, Debbie Moore was hired as Elementary interventionist (less than half-time) time at Cheatham Elementary.

Dealing with ‘The X Factor’

By LOU ANTONELLI

Managing Editor

We’re already in Week Four of the Lou and Patricia Show – also known as The Clarksville Times is under new management – and I have to say I’m pleased but tired.

In addition to keeping up with the normal work of getting the paper written and to the printer, we’ve had to deal with a myriad of activities required with the change of ownership.

One big step was forming a new LLC to own The Times. We did NOT buy the old company, which still owns the papers in Jefferson and Ashdown, Arkansas. The New Clarksville Times LLC bought The Times’ assets.

Then we had to do all the other things related to starting a new corporation – getting an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, getting account set up to pay withholding to the IRS, setting up an account to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to pay unemployment withholding, getting ready to pay personal property taxes on the business’ assets – the list goes on and on.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “The X Factor”. It originated years ago to mean that thing that’s going to go wrong that you don’t know about.

“X” in formulas mean the unknown. The X Factor means you have to assume as you move forward in your plans something will go wrong, you just don’t know what.

Our X Factor was processing credit card payments. Many subscribers – and some businesses – like to pay using credit cards.

The old account with the company that processed credit cards for the previous owners of The Times was closed, but then we couldn’t get a new account of our own with them.

You would think processing companies would welcome the opportunity to collect the attendant fees – free money – but the hang-up is that our new company has no history, credit or otherwise. I’ve been told such start-ups are screened because the government is concerned they will be used for money laundering.

It took us a week with the first company, and then we tried a second company. It took us another week to come up dry with them, too.

Finally on Monday we got an account set up so we can take credit cards. Hooray!

That may have been the last major substantial hurdle in the transition process. Things are otherwise going great, and as you can see, the paper is doing quite well.

Thanks for your support

County Calendar

Jan.  27

The First Baptist Church of Clarksville will host a Wild Game Chili Supper on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall, It is free to the public and everyone is invited.

Jan. 31

The Clarksville Nursing Center invites everyone to come out and meet their team, tour the facility, and enjoy refreshments on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hot dogs will be served from 9 a.m. to noon.

Carter Blood Care will be having a blood drive for anyone wishing to make a life-saving donation.

Clarksville Nursing Center is located at 300 East Baker St. For more information, contact Neicy Herrington at 903-330-2941.

Feb. 1

Teela Hurt will present the quarterly program of the Red River County Historical Society on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville. Mrs. Hurt will speak on the Orphan Train Movement and the adoption of children by Red River County families on the train's stop in Clarksville in the spring of 1926.

The practice of relocating children from New York to towns in 47 states began in 1853 and ended in 1929 when the last train left New York for Sulphur Springs. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.

Parent unhappy over campus ban

By LOU ANTONELLI

Managing Editor

The parent of a Clarksville High School junior is appealing a ban from all school district campuses and locations in the wake of a confrontation last Friday.

Missy Griffin, parent of Chakyrah Griffin – a member of the girls’ varsity basketball team – said she was banned by Supt. Pam Bryant.

For her part, Bryant declines to comment.

“Due to CISD policy regarding confidentiality, there is no comment at this time,” she said.

Griffin said she and another parent brought ten personal pizzas from Subway to the cafetorium at lunch Friday for a group of students.

There had been a lot of drama on social media between the girls” and we just wanted to get the ten kids all together,” she said.

The students all reconciled, she said, but then as she left she was confronted by a teacher who had been a monitor in the cafetorium, who complained she never put on a visitor’s badge.

Griffin said she didn’t think about it because her hands were full with the pizza when she came in and nobody stopped her as she went straight to the cafeteria.

She characterized the discussion with the teacher in the high school office as “fussing with each other” and she didn’t think the incident was serious, but later found out once at home that the police had been called to the school.

She said she wasn’t arrested, but when she went to the school administration later that afternoon Dr. Bryant said she was banned from the CISD until the end of the school year, May 31^st, before she had a chance to explain her side of the story.

Griffin said the ban is especially hurtful because her daughter is a starter on the varsity girls team and she cannot attend any home girls’ basketball games.

Griffin said she is requesting an appeal of the ban before the CISD Board of Trustees,

Advance notice

You ever wonder what's coming up in the next issue of the paper? Managing Editor Lou Antonelli keeps track of stories using a whiteboard behind his desk. Here's a peak at some of the notes he was written. Anything here look interesting?

Tornado Watch in effect

A tornado watch is in effect in Red River County until 11 p.m.

A Message from Clarksville Mayor Ann Rushing

Happy New Year!  I hope 2018 proves to be a good year for us all.
A big thank you to the Martha, David and Bagby Lennox Foundation! The Lennox foundation has been so very good to this city and county. For those that have not seen The Clarksville Times, make it a point to read the article in the paper dated January 4, 2018.  There is quite an extensive list of recipients.
The City of Clarksville has been listed as a recipient for many years.  On behalf of the City of Clarksville, thank you! You have made such a difference in the lives of so many.
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Communities Unlimited met this past Monday at the HUB building in Clarksville. For those of you that are not aware, the City, CEDC, and Zip Code are partnering with Communities Unlimited to create jobs, bring business in and help us meet other needs of the community. 
The object is to assist in creating a sustainable community. All efforts to promote our city and county and improve conditions are not only for the present generation but future generations. It is our responsibility to leave something behind that they can use for their benefit. 
We have many needs. Infrastructure, water, jobs, housing, recreational and the list continues. Many surveys have been taken throughout the years through Main Street, Texas Historical Commission, The Rural Resource Team, City Comprehensive Planning and Capacity Plan, hotel assessments, Emergency Management, mitigation plans, tourism, and St. Edwards University. 
All plans always touch on water, housing, recreational, medical, transportation, parks and trails, education, code enforcement, retail development, business and industry, hunting and fishing and our rich and extensive history.
I think we all know what is needed but often times we do not touch everyone that could lend their thoughts and assistance. What do you think is needed and which area or areas would you like to work on as a priority?
The city and county pretty well work on a regular basis with various agencies pertaining to infrastructure, water, wastewater, streets, drainage, airport upgrades, transportation and and other services.
It takes years to get some of these areas addressed but you just keep on letting those needs be known. So, let us hear from you.
Think about it and maybe outside the box, look at our assets and weakness, at what we have accomplished and what still needs to be accomplished.  I, for one, appreciate Ryan and Melinda Watters contacting Communities Unlimited.  If anyone can come in, look at our community and through their eyes and our input, bring ideas, strategies or resources to the table, it is a win for us.
In fact all assessments have been built on our input throughout the years. Many of you have attended these meetings in past years. Communities Unlimited is listening to us, what we would like to see and giving their input on what it takes to build a strong team that can take the ball and run with it when they are no longer assisting.  This is the second year of a possible three  year commitment. 
So, come to the HUB in February and meet with us. Maybe they can assist you in a new start up business or expansion.Do you need assistance with compiling a plan, marketing and promoting, or perhaps a loan?
Do you have suggestions on what sector to work on next along with job creation? This is a county-wide effort. We invite all city and county residents and by that I mean in the county. Avery, Annona, Detroit, Bogata, Clarksville and unincorporated areas.
We also invite those that live elsewhere to join us.  Bring your ideas and strategies.
The Red River County Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville EDC, Lennox Foundation, the City and County, Tourism Committee, Gatekeepers and Lennox Health Resource Center and other healthcare groups, PRIDE Association, RBEG Committee, those in the medical field, CISD staff, school board, teachers and Superintendent, Red River Charities, Inc, Clarksville Alumni Outreach Committee, ZIP CODE, Main Street, The NETT Board, Churches, Red River County Library, Boys and Girls Club, HUB, and Ark-Tex Council of Governments are all trying to improve conditions for our youth and the people that live and work here to promote this area, to entice needed growth, create jobs and business, increase sales tax, recreational activities and  technology,and other sectors or areas, to ensure we remain sustainable.
There are many, many more organizations and committees and boards doing the same. I cannot name them all as there are many. We are not the same face or community we were in the 80’s or 90’s.  But we can find our niche, come up with different ideas and strategies to promote our area and work to bring it about to be even better! 
We have taken many recommendations throughout the years and will continue to do so.  But, we might need to revamp a bit. It also takes a village. We welcome your input.
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Congratulations on the sale of The Clarksville Times. The Times was sold to a new locally-based corporation formed by Lou and Patricia Antonelli of Clarksville. Congratulations! I look forward to the open house!
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Have you noticed how many of the historic buildings downtown are being utilized for lofts?  There are three, with two more of the historic buildings being developed for loft living now.
I am hopeful we can take a tour of these lofts at a later date. A lot of time, effort and money have been spent in the creation and retention of our retail businesses on the square. 
We thank them and our industries. We are appreciative and we are here if any problem arises we might be able to assist with.
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You might have noticed the article Main Street has had in the paper for several weeks. Nominate a business that you feel meets at least one of the four point approaches of which Main Street is founded on - Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Organization. 
Mickey Allen is the Main Street Director. The City of Clarksville has been a Main Street City since 2003. We are proud of that designation and we appreciate the Lennox Foundation providing $10,000 toward that program for our director’s salary.
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The City is getting ready to close out the latest CDBG water and waste water grant and the HOME Program (the substandard housing is demolished and a new home built in its place) is now closed out.
It will be three years before the city will be able to apply for or utilize those funds for CDBG and the HOME Program.  A number of people have contacted us pertaining to the HOME program. In light of the time frame to build any more homes, you might want to apply to the USDA for home improvements. ---
The city has now hired an engineering firm, MTG Engineers, who has already started working with the USDA to submit an application to address our water and wastewater needs.
Dan Boyles, MTG Engineering, has been the city’s engineer for over 20 years.  He knows this system well.  All this takes time.  It is a process.
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I invite you to attend our City Council Meetings.  Those meetings are now held at 6:00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Texarkana Gazette pulls back from Clarksville

The Texarkana Gazette is no longer being distributed in Clarksville. Home delivery subscribers have been told they can now get the paper in the mail. The last day the paper was put in vending machines was Monday, and the machines were collected up and taken away Thursday.

Just a reminder that now's a good time to subscribe to The Times! Senior Citizen subscriptions in Red River County are $24 until Feb. 1, then they rise to $28. Subscriptions otherwise in Red River County are $34; they'll go up to $36 on Feb. 1st.

There's a coupon in this week's paper if you want to clip it out!

Yummy. yummy, yummy

Our Open House starts at noon. We're ready for you! Come and get some home-made lasagna (while it lasts!)

Times subscription rates increase Feb. 1

The subscription rates for the Clarksville Times are going up slightly as of Feb. 1.

Managing Editor Lou Antonelli says the adjustment is needed as a result of increased costs, as well as the composition of the readership of the newspaper.

“If you buy the paper at the store every week for a year, that’s 75 cents times 52, or $39,” he said. “All out local subscription rates are a big savings over that.”

The current in-county basic rate, which is $34 a year, is being raised to $36.

Antonelli notes the rate of $24 for local senior citizens is a full ten dollars lower than the regular rate.

“And we probably have a majority of our paid mail subscriptions going to senior citizens,” he said. “We’re losing money at that rate.”

As a result, the senior citizens in-county rate in being raised to $28.

The rate increase goes in effect Feb. 1. Antonelli says anyone who renews – or subscribes – before then can do so at the current rate.

“Even if you have gotten a subscription notice with the new price on it, if you come in before Feb. 1, you can have the old price,” he said.

“We want people to have a chance to save a few bucks and give them a little time before the change kicks in,” said Antonelli. “You can renew even if your subscription hasn’t expired yet, and you can renew for multiple years if you want. If you want to lock in the old price for five years, that’s fine. We’ll extend your subscription until 2023.”

The senior citizen rate for out-of-county subscriptions is rising from $34 to $36, he said; the regular out-of-county rate remains at $42.

“We know our readers understand our need for money to cover costs and provide a quality product,” said Antonelli. “Your support is outstanding.”

Let's celebrate!

To celebrate the new ownership and management of The Clarksville Times, we are hosting an Open House Thursday starting at noon at our office, 108 East Main St. There will be lasagna (while it lasts) plus other goodies. We will be giving away four free gift certificates for new subscriptions to the newspaper as door prizes. Everyone is welcome!

Basketball games postponed

The Clarksville Boys and Girls basketball games that were to be played on the road at Linden-Kildare Tuesday night have been cancelled.

They have been rescheduled for Thursday night in Linden-Kildare. Only the Boys and Girls Varsity will play, starting at 5 p.m.

City Council meets tonight

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Clarksville shall meet in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 800 West Main Street, Clarksville, Texas. The matters to be discussed and acted upon are as follows:

1. Opening Ceremonies

Call to Order  - Mayor Ann Rushing

Pledge of Allegiance - .Juanita Moore

Invocation - Charlie Wright

2. Roll Call

3. Citizens' presentation: Any citizen wishing to address the Council may speak after rising, giving name and address. The Council may not adds any issues not listed on the Agenda. However it may receive information.

4. Mayor Rushing to present Meritorious Service Awards

5. Discuss and possible action to approve recommendations by the Clarksville EDC Board on:

A: Contract with C & F Controls & Automation of Arkansas, LLC for SCADA System to improve the City of Clarksville's Water Distribution operation.

6. "PUBLIC HEARING" - City of Clarksville's Water. Distribution SCADA System to assist with monitoring the water distribution system for operation of storage units and supply pumps greatly improving the constant water pressure in the system at a not to exceed cost of $46,000 awarded to C & F Controls Automation of Arkansas. LLC as an approved Type B project paid by the Clarksville Economic Development Corporation sales tax proceeds.

7. First Reading of Resolution No. 2018-01 of the City of Clarksville, Texas, Approving the Clarksville Economic Development Corporation Project in Excess of $10,000 to install a SCADA System to monitor the City's Water Distribution System as referenced in Item 6, above.

8. Review; approve Minutes of Regular meeting held Tuesday, December 19, 2017.

9. Review financials/approve payment of bills.

10. Review department reports / updates from Mayor.

11. Discuss and possible action regarding approval of RBEG committee recommendation pertaining to loan request by 8 Deer Company.

12. Discuss and possible action to approve funding agreement between the Martha, David and Bagby Lennox Foundation and the city of Clarksville, in the amount of $10,000 to fund a portion of the Main Street Director's salary. - Mayor Rushing

13. Update on USDA Loan process and RBEG funds. - Mayor Rushing

14. Discuss and possible action pertaining to setting a date for a Workshop with the City Council and Red River County Sheriffs office to discuss various operational issues.

15. Discuss and possible action to approve Ordinance No. 2018-01 of the City of Clarksville, Texas, calling an election to be held on May 5, 2018 to elect a Mayor and four Council members for a two-year term; providing for early voting and for notice of the election; and for other matters relating to the election: The City Council in and for the City of Clarksville, Texas, also authorizes a joint election to be held with the Clarksville Independent School District (CISD) and Red River County Water Control Improvement District #1 Langford Creek (WCID) at City Hall, 800 West Main Street, Clarksville, Texas.

16. Discuss and possible action pertaining to vultures invading the water tower on Comanche - Mayor Rushing

17. Discuss and possible action on items from City Manager

a) Cancelled Workshop to discuss Animal Control, Code Enforcement and Possible Gaming Machine (8 Liner) Regulations, need to reschedule;

b) Update on Public Notice for TTHM Violation;

c) Auction to get rid of items from all City Departments; and

d) Plan to cover shifts for Chief Tolison to have back surgery in February.

18. Discuss and possible action on Budget Amendments Line Item Transfers pertaining to FY 2017-18.

19. Convene into Executive Session Pursuant to • Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (1) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or (2) to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee, as follows:

a) Hiring of City Attorney

20. Reconvene into Regular Session and take any action necessary as a result of the Executive Session.

21. City Manager / Council / Mayor Comments.

22. Adjournment.

Clarksville, Detroit and Rivercrest to start at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Avery closed.

The Clarksville ISD will be on a two hour delay arrival schedule tomorrow (Tuesday, January 16) due to inclement weather. Please check back for further details in the morning in the event the weather worsens overnight.

The Detroit ISD will also 10:00 start tomorrow January 16th due to possible bad road conditions. Buses will run two hours later than normal.

Avery will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 16th due to inclement weather. They will reschedule basketball games vs McLeod.

Due to predicted inclement weather, Rivercrest ISD will have a delayed start Tuesday, January 16th. Buses will run two hours late and classes are scheduled to begin at 10:00.

DPS and TxDOT will both be working to help keep hazardous conditions to minimum

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages Texans in all regions of the state to make preparations for winter weather as we enter the cold weather season.

“While we’ve all heard the joke about Texas only having two seasons – hot and hotter – all Texans need to prepare now for the serious threats that the upcoming winter could bring,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Every year, Texas faces the dangers of winter weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, ice, sleet, and even snow. Texans are urged to stay informed about changing weather in their area and to take steps now to help stay safe during the coming months.”
Texans should winterize their vehicles by checking the battery, windshield wipers (including appropriate freeze resistant-fluid), tire pressure, tire tread, fluid levels, and lubricate door and trunk locks to prevent freezing. In addition, here is a list of emergency supplies drivers can keep in their vehicle:
• Blankets/sleeping bags, extra clothing, gloves and a hat.
• Cell phone, radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• First-aid kit and pocket knife.
• High calorie, non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Bag of sand or cat litter to provide traction for tires.
• Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and a shovel.
DPS offers the following additional tips for staying safe during possible winter weather:
• Monitor local weather broadcasts and follow up-to-the-minute weather conditions, at http://www.weather.gov/.
• Purchase an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
• Sign up for your local emergency notification system.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before any trip, and keep your gas tank full.
• On icy roads, drive slowly and increase distance required for stopping, and avoid using cruise control.
• Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power is out, treat all intersections as four-way stops.
• Allow extra time when traveling in inclement weather.
• Avoid traveling when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted, and monitor road conditions by visiting www.drivetexas.org or by calling 1-800-452-9292.
• Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.
• Make sure that furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, NEVER operate generators and other fuel-powered devices inside a home or an enclosed space, such as a garage. The deadly odorless, colorless gas is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned, with sources including motor vehicle engines, generators and fuel-burning appliances or heating systems. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector.
• Make arrangements for proper shelter and an emergency supply of food and water for your pets and livestock.
• Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods and bottled water.
• If you will be away from home for a long period of time, set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher and open cabinets under sinks.
• Make sure you have inclement weather contact numbers for schools and work.
• Check on friends and family members whose health or age may put them at greater risk from cold weather.
During the winter season, residents can contact 2-1-1 Texas, the state’s free 24-hour helpline, to check on possible community-established warming centers or related services in their area. No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for community resources.
Visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/…/ThreatAwaren…/winterstorm.htm for additional information and tips regarding winter weather preparedness.
In addition to the tips that DPS has provided, it will also be useful to know that due to the fact that winter precipitation is being predicted for Thursday night and Friday, and again possibly next week TxDOT will be working ahead of time. 

Commissioners meet Wednesday

The Red River County Commissioners Court will next meet Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 8:30 a.m. at the commissioners courtroom. The agenda is as follows:

1) Call the Commissioners Court Meeting to Order.

2) Call the roll.

3) Consider for approval minutes from the previous meeting of the Commissioners Court.

4) Public Comments.

5) Consider for approval Resolution from BancorpSouth Bank to Provide Financing for a 2013 Chevrolet Three-Quarter ton Crew Cab 4X4 Pick-Up for Pct. #3.

6) Consider for approval Order Setting Terms of the Constitutional County Court for Calendar Year 2018.

7) Consider for approval line item transfers.

8) Consider for approval budget amendments.

9) Consider for approval all valid claims.

10) Adjourn.

In his honor

In honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., all banks and government are closed today, including the schools and post office.

The Clarksville Times office is open for business as usual.

School trustees meet Thursday

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Clarksville ISD will be held January 18, 2018,
beginning at 6:00 PM in the Board Meeting Room, Clarksville ISD Administration Building,
1500 West Main, Clarksville, Texas.
The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are as
listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the order shown on this meeting notice.
Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be
acted on at one time.
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags
4. CISD Vision/Mission Statement
5. Pawsitive Recognition
A. School Board Recognition
6. Open Forum
7. Consent Agenda:
A. Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)
B. Investment Report
C. Monthly Budget Report
8. Consider for Discussion and Possible Action On New Century Club Field Updates
9. Consider for Approval CISD 2018-2019 District Calendar
10. Consider for Approval Rental Fee Waiver for Father/Daughter Dance February 10
11. Consider for Discussion and Possible Action on BillBoard Ad for District
12. I/R Report
Presenter: Henry Sharp
13. Dual Credit Report
Presenter: Henry Sharp
14. Consider for Approval Appointment of Individual to Red River Appraisal District
Board of Directors
15. Cafeteria Report
Expenditures/Revenue for December
16. Principal Reports
Attendance - Accolades - Achievement
17. Superintendent Report
A. Lennox Grant Awarded to CISD
B. January 17 - First Day to File Application for School Board
C. January 25 - Grassroots Meeting
D. February 1 - UIL Realignment
E. February 26 - Shakespeare Presentation "Taming of the Shrew"
F. March 29-31 - Texas Black Caucus of School Board Members Education Summit,
Austin
G. Positive Note on Athletic Program
18. Convene in Closed Meeting as Authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas
Government Code Section, Including But Not Limited to the following Sections:
A. 551.074 - Personnel Matters
 1. Evaluation of Superintendent and Contract Extension
B. 551.082 - Students
19. Convene in Open Session
20. Consider Possible Action on Items from Closed Session
21. Adjourn

Animal Protection League’s mobile unit will be in Clarksville this Monday!! January 15th

The APL has been providing low cost vaccinations and spay/neuter services in East Texas for over 20 years. Our goal is to reduce senseless euthanasia through our sterilization efforts. 

We offer reduced cost vaccinations and wellness medications to support this effort. If you haven’t used our services, check us out! Vaccinations are given 10am-2pm and surgery is by appointment. Rabies vaccinations are just $10! 

We will be located at NE Texas Farmers Co-op (105 HWY 37 S.) Dogs should come on leashes and cats must come in carriers. A complete list of our services and prices can be found on our website, aplspayneuter.org. 

For more information or to schedule a surgery, please call 903-753-7387. We will also be back in Clarksville on February 12th.

Main Street invites nominations

The Clarksville Main Street organization is asking that local residents submit nominations for businesses that they feel meet at least one of the four foundation criteria on which the Main Street program is founded. Those four items are:

1. Economic Vitality: Developing and sustaining a vital downtown marketplace. Promoting new businesses, supporting and aiding existing businesses, working with potential entrepreneurs to develop plans for potential new businesses. 

2. Design: Capitalizing on historic downtown’s physical assets. Preserving and restoring the historic structures. Developing a safe, clean, inviting area in the Main Street District.  Maintaining the historical character of the community.

3. Promotion:

Reintroduce/introduce the public to the historic downtown, and ensure that it is a welcoming destination for residents and visitors. Working to bring the community to the downtown area for shopping, dining, entertainment, and socializing. Building tourism and entertainment/recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.  Identifying and capitalizing on the uniqueness of the community.

4. Organization: Sustaining a strong, credible, sustainable organization to organize and carry out the Main Street effort. Volunteering in areas that are critical to rebuilding a sense of pride in the community. Efforts toward the inclusion of all residents in all aspects of positive promotion of the community.

The Main Street Board and staff invite you to nominate a business or businesses that you feel display one or more of the above categories. All nominations can be submitted to the Main Street Director, Mickey Allen by an email to mainstreetdir@suddenlinkmail.com or by phone to 903-249-3550.  

Each nomination will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee. The business chosen will be highlighted in the local media and Main Street social media sites.

Great job players and coaches

Clarksville Lady Tigers defeat The Rivercrest Lady Rebels 69-57 Friday night. Great game going back and forth. Lady Tigers did a super job. Hit some outside shots. Played great inside. Hit free throws. Played great defense. So proud of our Ladies.

County Calendar

Jan. 13

The City of Clarksville landfill will be closed Saturday Jan. 13 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Jan. 16

The Avery 4-H Club will have a Kick-Off Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 16^th, at 6 p.m. in the Avery Storm Shelter (305 Colorado St.). All school age children living in Red River County are welcome. Come learn what 4-H is all about! For any information please contact the Extension Office at 903-427-3867.

Jan. 23

There will be a Red River County 4-H Shooting Sports Interest Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 23^rd, at 6 pm in the Exhibit Building at The Fairgrounds. All kids in 3rd grade and up who are registered in Red River County 4-H can participate in Shooting Sports. Please come out to learn more! For any information please contact the Extension Office at 903-427-3867.

Clarksville School board members recognized

Courtesy Photo
The Leadership Team of the Clarksville ISD Board of Trustees are, from left, standing; Trustee Robert Beaty, Supt. Pam Bryant; Trustee John McPeters; Trustee Greg Lewis; seated: Trustee Pam Russell; Trustee Lanetta Roberts; Trustee WaDonna Cherry; and Trustee Kathy Garrison.

January is School Board Recognition Month, and the Clarksville ISD is joining other districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

“School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best it can be for every child,” said Dr. Pam Bryant, Superintendent.  In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students.

“Preparing today’s students to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of our schoolchildren,” said Bryant.

“We proudly salute these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding, and school facilities. Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of our community’s children and families,” said Bryant. “These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future,” she said.

The men and women serving Clarksville ISD are: Robert Beaty, President; Kathy Garrison, Vice President; WaDonna Cherry, Secretary; Greg Lewis; John McPeters; Lanetta Roberts; and Pam Russell

“Great leadership always begins with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference. Please join us as we applaud these local leaders for helping our kids soar to success,” said Bryant.

Some changes in the wind

By LOU ANTONELLI

Managing Editor

After 40 years under one owner, the sale of The Times is bound to is bound to bring some changes. We plan to implement a lot of new ideas and projects that I am sure you will love.

In the meantime, in light of the fact the historical records indicates the first issue of The Clarksville Times was published on Jan. 18, 1873, we will be having a luncheon and open house next Thursday.

It will be buffet style, featuring a couple of roaster pans of my world famous lasagna. Serving starts at noon and will continue until the lasagna is gone. I would suggest you get there early, my lasagna tends to disappear rapidly.

We have an excellent rapport with the public, and you know you can always drop in the office any time, but I thought we should do something special to mark the changing of the guard.

We will also have door prizes – gift certificates for Clarksville Times subscriptions. We will be drawing for four, at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

I plan to start up a web site within a week. We had a web site when I started working here in 2015, but it was dropped as a cost-savings measure by the previous owners, who had to pay to have it maintained.

I have some experience with blogs, as a result of my fiction writing, and I know how to organize a basic web site through a free service, so I will be doing that shortly. Having a web site isn’t of much value to local folks, who get the paper directly, but it’s very useful for people who live out of town, and people doing on-line searches in general.

For those people who only get their worldview on-line, we have an active Facebook page, but it’s more useful for directing people to the real paper. Facebook is useful for basic messages and promotion, but as an actual source of news it’s horrible. It’s an echo chamber for negative gossip and hateful rumor-mongering.

I’d like to include an advertising salesperson to the staff, but I think it’s too early to add a salaried position. However, many newspaper ad salespeople work on commission. You need to offer a healthy commission if that’s how the person is to be paid, but I plan to do that, and pay commissions promptly. If you are interested, call us.

As part of the cheese paring that’s done by outfits strapped for cash – such as Red River County, which is closed on Fridays entirely - our offices have closed at noon on Fridays for a number of years. However, I think we need to be as accommodating as possible to our customers, so from now on we are open until 5 p.m. on Friday.

Many newspapers do annual Readers Choice Awards, where readers can nominate and vote for businesses in various categories, such as Best Tex-Mex Restaurant, best Gas Station, Best Convenience Store, etc. I think that’s a good way to get more exposure and attention for local businesses, and so I will probably be implementing that in the near future.

I also plan to start doing regular feature stories about local businesses, as another way to boost and bolster public support for our local economy.

The one thing I think you will not greet with universal acclaim is that we are probably having to go up on our subscription rates a few bucks. If you buy the paper every week of the year on a newsstand, its $39. Our subscription rates are a lot lower than that; for senior citizens it’s only $24 inside Red River County.

We have a lot – probably a majority – of subscribers who are senior citizens, and that $24 is a bit too low right now, especially in light of cost increases to us over the past few years. Since taking over we’ve been looking over figures, and that number probably needs to come up a little.

The good thing is, if there is any change, it won’t be for a while, so that’s an incentive to renew your subscription promptly. If you want to renew it at the current rate, even if it isn’t due yet, that’s fine.

I worked at a paper once where they announced a subscription rate hike but said anyone who came in before it kicked in could renew at the current rate. A number of people paid up for multiple years; I know one person did so for at least five!

If we decide to change the subscription rate, I will give y’all plenty of notice.

In closing, mentioning advertising commissions remind me of something that happened in Southwest Dallas County 25 years ago.

I was the editor of a weekly newspaper that was part of a chain of seven weeklies. A new publisher came in who was bossy and high-powered.

She wanted to show the corporation that owned the chain that she knew how to make a profit, and how to keep employees in check.

Ad people were paid straight commission of 25 percent. There was a Beall’s department store in the city, which spent more than $100,000 a year in advertising, which meant the ad sales person made $25,000 a year in commission from that account.

Bossy Boss came up with plan to increase profit for the corporation. She told the ad sales person, “You didn’t sell that account. That was a corporate decision by Beall’s, they were planning to spend that money any way. You don’t get any commission.”

The sales persons proved her quite wrong, after quitting and then getting Beall’s to transfer its advertising to another nearby weekly newspaper, which was locally owned and operated.

A few months later, the same Bossy Boss fired me. Guess where I went to work next?

That other newspaper was struggling financially, but having a $100,000 advertising account dropped in its lap because of bad business management proved to be a godsend.

The newspaper chain that lose the account? Doesn’t matter, they’re long gone. The second newspaper, though, is still in business.

The moral? It pays to treat your employees fairly, and to have local control and ownership of your newspaper.

Space is still available