Saturday, February 28, 1998

Reporter-News salutes

Wild and crazy

After almost half a century in the industry, Abilene oilman Russell Taylor was recognized for his efforts with the regional oil and gas industry's highest honor, the Wildcatters Award. Back in the 1950s, Taylor came to Abilene and formed Nordan Oil and Gas Corp., of which he remains president. The Wildcatters Award is not an annual affair. Rather, the West Central Texas Oil and Gas Association bestows the award only when it deems a person has made significant contributions to the industry. Taylor's labors of almost 50 years certainly qualify.

Albany salutes

The top award of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, the Cornerstone Award, was presented to Eska Stasney, 92, for a lifetime of supporting Albany. Lester Galbreath, manager of Fort Griffin State Historical Park, was named Volunteer of the Year. John Ross Reames was recognized as Farmer-Rancher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year Award went to Winifred Waller. EBBA Iron Inc. was singled out as Business of the Year, and Bob Echols, manager of the Albany Motor Inn, was named Citizen of the Year. Plus, special awards went to Momentum Operating Co. for efforts in beautifying downtown and to outgoing chamber President Randall Palmore. Congratulations to these fine folks who help make Albany such a sparkling jewel in the Big Country crown.

Golden deeds

The Ranger Chamber of Commerce presented a special Golden Deeds Award to Roy and Helen Gomez, the Ranger couple who last year used their lottery winnings to buy the volunteer fire department a much-needed new fire truck. The Gomezes donated the truck in memory of their son, Leeroy, who died of hepatitis. In other awards, outgoing President Mary Wells was named Citizen of the Year, Mose Nantz was honored as Ag Citizen of the Year, and Barbara Rutledge was named Educator of the Year. We salute these worthy residents of Ranger.

Colorado City awards

Colorado City's Bertie Kidd, a community volunteer deluxe, was named Mitchell County's Citizen of the Year by the Colorado City Area Chamber of Commerce. And the Carl Guelker family was recognized as the Farm and Ranch Family of the Year. A Mitchell County commissioner, Carl and his wife, Sue, and their daughter, Cheyenne, were noted for "their ability to continually enhance their farm and ranch land with innovative and creative management practices." Kudos to these Colorado City honorees.

Tops at Middleton

The Middleton Unit honored correctional officer James Naizer as officer of the year for 1997 and Sally Davis, who works in the prison's human resources office, as employee of the year. Naizer has worked at Middleton since 1994, and Davis since 1993. A brick bearing their names will be added to a monument being built in Huntsville in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

ACU presents

Among the many honored during activities surrounding this week's annual lectureship at Abilene Christian University were Abilene's Nancy Miller, executive director of Christian Homes of Abilene, who was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, and Abilene's John and Ruth Stevens, who received the Christian Service Award for their lifetimes of service. We join in saluting these dedicated individuals.