Reporter-News salutes

Blazing the trail

Albany rancher Watt Matthews, 98, has long been respected as a living legend in this area, and his many awards have also included state and national honors, such as the Golden Spur Award presented to the nation's top rancher by the Ranch Heritage Center at Texas Tech University. But his latest recognition puts him in the company of the most well-known names in Texas history. Matthews has been named one of 13 charter members of the newly formed Texas Trail of Fame in the historic Stockyards area of Fort Worth. Other charter members include the likes of humorist Will Rogers, legendary trail-blazer Charles Goodnight, folklorist J. Frank Dobie, Fort Worth civic leader Amon Carter Sr., Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and Comanche chief Quanah Parker. That's quite a list to be mentioned in, and we congratulate Matthews for his well-deserved inclusion.

Snyder honors

The Snyder Chamber of Commerce honored many of its own during its annual banquet. The Sizemore Award to the Chamber's Goldcoater of the Year was given to Donna Gray. Joe and Terry Hefner received the Winston Award for service to agriculture. Mike Post was presented the McLaughlin Award for service to the oil industry. Elizabeth Jenkins received the Educational Excellence Award. The Vestal Award for service to the city was handed to Ted Crenwelge. Lawrence IGA 400 was honored as the Business of the Year. The Chamber Choice Award was given to Jeffrey Martin. And the Above and Beyond Award went to Jack Lawrence.

Golden debate

The Jayton High School debate team of seniors J.T. Williams and Shaina Moss claimed the UIL state debate championship in competition at Austin. Williams, a National Merit Scholar who won the UIL spelling championship last year, also won the Gold Gavel as the top debater in Class A. The championship team was coached by Elwanda Hahn.

Community building

Abilene ISD Superintendent Charles Hundley was honored with the Community Builder's Award by Abilene Lodge No. 559 AF&AM. Hundley was cited for his dedication and service to the schools and community of Abilene.

D.C. interns

Four college students from or attending school in the Texas Midwest have been selected as summer congressional interns for District 17 Rep. Charles Stenholm by the Omar Burleson Foundation. They are Alan Dimmitt, graduate student at Abilene Christian University; William Thinnes of Abilene, a senior at Trinity University; Joshua Bowerman of Big Spring, a senior at Hardin-Simmons University; and Abilene's Sally Gary, a law student at Texas Tech. Congratulations to all four.

Best pigs

At the famed Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, two area youngsters came up with little pigs that went to market in a big way. Entee Sublett, 14, of Rising Star, showed the Reserve Champion Duroc with "Red," a 264-pound barrow. And Jarden Winfrey, 15, of Cross Plains, had the Reserve Champion Spotted Poland China with "Ray," a barrow he bought for just $100.

Beauty spot

Eastland attorney Russ Thomason's office has been designated as the city's first Commercial Beauty Spot, an award that will be given annually to a local business whose appearance enhances the appeal of the entire community. It's a good idea other area locales might pick up.