.jpg)
TIGHT TURN - No one was hurt but this sport utility vehicle was smashed on one side in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday morning in Levelland. Victor Borunda, a driver with Musslewhite Trucking, was northbound on West Avenue and making a left turn on 10th Street. He apparently cut the corner a little too tight and his flatbed truck hit the left side of the SUV. It was driven by Daniela Valderas of Levellanl, according to police. She and a small child with her were not injured. (Staff Photo)
Breaking
Council eyes budget, higher tax rate
(Posted Wed 08:45 am)
Budget figures and an increase in the property tax rate were reviewed Monday by the Levelland City Council.
A decline in property values means the city will have to increase the tax rate to maintain revenues, City Manager Rick Osburn told the council.
This year, for the first time since 2002, property values declined. The decline, originally estimated at 1.05 percent, will actually be about 1.62 percent, according to Osburn.
He noted that the decrease could be offset by a slight increase in mineral values that was not included in appraisals made for the Hockley County Appraisal District.
"There More...
(Posted Wed 08:45 am)
Budget figures and an increase in the property tax rate were reviewed Monday by the Levelland City Council.
A decline in property values means the city will have to increase the tax rate to maintain revenues, City Manager Rick Osburn told the council.
This year, for the first time since 2002, property values declined. The decline, originally estimated at 1.05 percent, will actually be about 1.62 percent, according to Osburn.
He noted that the decrease could be offset by a slight increase in mineral values that was not included in appraisals made for the Hockley County Appraisal District.
"There More...
Boy run over by truck in Smyer
(Posted 7/14/2010 03:34 pm)
A 4-year-old boy was injured Wednesday when his grandfather struck him while backing up a pickup truck in Smyer.
Ezequiel Gonzales of Smyer suffered a head laceration and was taken by ambulance to University Medical Center in Lubbock for treatment.
The boy's injuries did not appear life-threatening.
The accident occurred shortly after noon Wednesday in the 100 block of Lincoln Street.
Smyer resident Denver Blanscett was backing up his GMC truck to take trash away when the vehicle hit Ezequiel, according to the Hockley County Sheriff's Office.
No charges have been filed in the incident, which appeared to be More...
(Posted 7/14/2010 03:34 pm)
A 4-year-old boy was injured Wednesday when his grandfather struck him while backing up a pickup truck in Smyer.
Ezequiel Gonzales of Smyer suffered a head laceration and was taken by ambulance to University Medical Center in Lubbock for treatment.
The boy's injuries did not appear life-threatening.
The accident occurred shortly after noon Wednesday in the 100 block of Lincoln Street.
Smyer resident Denver Blanscett was backing up his GMC truck to take trash away when the vehicle hit Ezequiel, according to the Hockley County Sheriff's Office.
No charges have been filed in the incident, which appeared to be More...
County taps director for Mallet Event Center
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:20 am)
A 4-H extension specialist from Lubbock County was named Monday as the director of the Mallet Event Center that will be built here.
Wendy M. Scott, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service 4-H specialist for Extension District 2, was tapped for the position by county commissioners.
Mrs. Scott will begin her duties Aug. 16.
"She's an extremely good planner; she's been in the event planning business. That's what she does with Extension," said Commissioner Larry Carter. "She's very thoughtful, very efficient and has a great personality."
Mrs. Scott was one of nine people to apply for the position. She was More...
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:20 am)
A 4-H extension specialist from Lubbock County was named Monday as the director of the Mallet Event Center that will be built here.
Wendy M. Scott, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service 4-H specialist for Extension District 2, was tapped for the position by county commissioners.
Mrs. Scott will begin her duties Aug. 16.
"She's an extremely good planner; she's been in the event planning business. That's what she does with Extension," said Commissioner Larry Carter. "She's very thoughtful, very efficient and has a great personality."
Mrs. Scott was one of nine people to apply for the position. She was More...
Early Settlers' Day provides fun for all
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:13 am)
The 49th annual Early Settlers' Day celebration was a day of fun, meeting old and new friends, and enjoying unseasonably cool weather.
As many as 6,000 people turned out for the day's activities, said Police Chief Toney Cowan.
The thousands of people who jammed downtown Levelland appeared to stay longer than usual, said Mary Siders, president of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Program.
"It was a positive contributing factor," Mrs. Siders said of the impact of the weather.
She said that vendors appeared to have a good day.
"The vendors were very complimentary," Mrs. Siders said.
The Chamber will More...
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:13 am)
The 49th annual Early Settlers' Day celebration was a day of fun, meeting old and new friends, and enjoying unseasonably cool weather.
As many as 6,000 people turned out for the day's activities, said Police Chief Toney Cowan.
The thousands of people who jammed downtown Levelland appeared to stay longer than usual, said Mary Siders, president of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Program.
"It was a positive contributing factor," Mrs. Siders said of the impact of the weather.
She said that vendors appeared to have a good day.
"The vendors were very complimentary," Mrs. Siders said.
The Chamber will More...
Early Settlers' Day set for Saturday
(Posted 7/8/2010 10:45 am)
Levelland will shine Saturday, July 10, when the community stages the 49th annual Early Settlers' Day celebration.
The day promises to be a big one, said Mary Siders, president of the Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Program.
"We're excited, it's a fun time for everybody," Mrs. Siders said.
More than 125 vendors have rented booths for the occasion, and all tables are sold out.
At least 100 entries are expected for the parade, and today is the last day to sign up for the parade and to receive a number.
Two of the Miss Merry Christmas contestants from last December More...
(Posted 7/8/2010 10:45 am)
Levelland will shine Saturday, July 10, when the community stages the 49th annual Early Settlers' Day celebration.
The day promises to be a big one, said Mary Siders, president of the Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Program.
"We're excited, it's a fun time for everybody," Mrs. Siders said.
More than 125 vendors have rented booths for the occasion, and all tables are sold out.
At least 100 entries are expected for the parade, and today is the last day to sign up for the parade and to receive a number.
Two of the Miss Merry Christmas contestants from last December More...
News
KCBD brings live tour to city
(Posted Wed 08:46 am)
KCBD News Channel 11 will bring its eighth annual Live Community Coverage Tour to Levelland on Wednesday, July 28.
Each year, KCBD searches the South Plains to tell positive stories and uncover interesting facts about communities in the region.
To date, the station has explored 20 different towns and shared their stories. This year, Channel 11 is visiting five towns in five days during the week of July 26-30. They are first visiting Tahoka, followed by Brownfield, Levelland, Littlefield and Hale Center.
This will be KCBD's fourth time to visit Levelland. The last time KCBD came here was in the summer of 2005.
KCBD will broadcast their 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts from the grounds of the Hockley County Courthouse.
(Posted Wed 08:46 am)
KCBD News Channel 11 will bring its eighth annual Live Community Coverage Tour to Levelland on Wednesday, July 28.
Each year, KCBD searches the South Plains to tell positive stories and uncover interesting facts about communities in the region.
To date, the station has explored 20 different towns and shared their stories. This year, Channel 11 is visiting five towns in five days during the week of July 26-30. They are first visiting Tahoka, followed by Brownfield, Levelland, Littlefield and Hale Center.
This will be KCBD's fourth time to visit Levelland. The last time KCBD came here was in the summer of 2005.
KCBD will broadcast their 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts from the grounds of the Hockley County Courthouse.
Deficiencies reported in operation of jail
(Posted Wed 08:45 am)
The Hockley County Jail recently received several deficiencies following an inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
But the Sheriff's Office is already working on a plan to resolve those issues.
"The main reason we didn't pass was because of over population," said Sheriff Kevin Davis. "We've got a problem with officer/inmate ratios. And that was no surprise to us."
Because the jail could not meet the state's requirements on staffing, the SO was unable to follow the Fair Labor Standards Act, said Chief Deputy Paul Scarborough.
The jail was also cited for having a leaky roof.
Davis said the current budget for the jail was based on an average daily count of 35 minutes.
"We're running anywhere from 50 to 70, depending on what's been going on," he said. "That has caused us to have inmates out of county. We're moving inmates constantly."
He added that correctional officers have been transporting extra prisoners to Brownfield.
(Posted Wed 08:45 am)
The Hockley County Jail recently received several deficiencies following an inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
But the Sheriff's Office is already working on a plan to resolve those issues.
"The main reason we didn't pass was because of over population," said Sheriff Kevin Davis. "We've got a problem with officer/inmate ratios. And that was no surprise to us."
Because the jail could not meet the state's requirements on staffing, the SO was unable to follow the Fair Labor Standards Act, said Chief Deputy Paul Scarborough.
The jail was also cited for having a leaky roof.
Davis said the current budget for the jail was based on an average daily count of 35 minutes.
"We're running anywhere from 50 to 70, depending on what's been going on," he said. "That has caused us to have inmates out of county. We're moving inmates constantly."
He added that correctional officers have been transporting extra prisoners to Brownfield.
Construction activity declines in Levelland
(Posted Wed 08:44 am)
Except for a new housing start, construction activity in the city slipped last month when compared to May.
The city issued 13 building permits worth $257,100 during June, down from 19 permits valued at $311,000 in May.
So far this year, 82 permits worth $2,286,519 have been awarded by the city.
One permit for $150,000 was issued in June to SMMP Construction for a new home in the 100 block of Hartford.
City officials also OK'd two permits for mobile homes.
One valued at $45,900 went to Gerald Paz for a mobile home on 13th Street.
The second mobile home permit, worth $1,500, was awarded to Belem Peredes for a structure on Austin Street.
The city approved a $30,000 permit for St. Michael's Catholic Church for remodeling an accessory building on Washington Street.
(Posted Wed 08:44 am)
Except for a new housing start, construction activity in the city slipped last month when compared to May.
The city issued 13 building permits worth $257,100 during June, down from 19 permits valued at $311,000 in May.
So far this year, 82 permits worth $2,286,519 have been awarded by the city.
One permit for $150,000 was issued in June to SMMP Construction for a new home in the 100 block of Hartford.
City officials also OK'd two permits for mobile homes.
One valued at $45,900 went to Gerald Paz for a mobile home on 13th Street.
The second mobile home permit, worth $1,500, was awarded to Belem Peredes for a structure on Austin Street.
The city approved a $30,000 permit for St. Michael's Catholic Church for remodeling an accessory building on Washington Street.
Community cleanup set Saturday in city
(Posted Wed 08:43 am)
Levelland residents will roll up their sleeves Saturday, July 31, for a cleanup of some of the areas along the city's roadways.
Rainy weather earlier this month produced a profusion of weeds that need to be cut down, said Mayor R.L. "Bo" Bowman.
"The weather and the rain have been wonderful, but it does put a burden on the people on their property," Bowman said.
With the Babe Ruth World Series coming to Levelland next month, the city needs to spruce up its appearance, especially along Texas 114.
"I think it's very important because it casts an image that our community cares," he said. "We'd like to have the best image for visitors to come in."
Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, rakes and Weedeaters. Garbage bags will be provided and workers will pick up trash, cut down weeds and stack piles of debris.
The areas that will be cleaned up are: Highway 114 in front of Wal-Mart; Highway 114 and Avenue H; Highway 114 and College Avenue; and Highway 114 at Alamo Road.
(Posted Wed 08:43 am)
Levelland residents will roll up their sleeves Saturday, July 31, for a cleanup of some of the areas along the city's roadways.
Rainy weather earlier this month produced a profusion of weeds that need to be cut down, said Mayor R.L. "Bo" Bowman.
"The weather and the rain have been wonderful, but it does put a burden on the people on their property," Bowman said.
With the Babe Ruth World Series coming to Levelland next month, the city needs to spruce up its appearance, especially along Texas 114.
"I think it's very important because it casts an image that our community cares," he said. "We'd like to have the best image for visitors to come in."
Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, rakes and Weedeaters. Garbage bags will be provided and workers will pick up trash, cut down weeds and stack piles of debris.
The areas that will be cleaned up are: Highway 114 in front of Wal-Mart; Highway 114 and Avenue H; Highway 114 and College Avenue; and Highway 114 at Alamo Road.
Values up for most taxing entities
(Posted Mon 02:57 pm)
Reversing last year's track, property values for most taxing entities increased this year.
A report from the Hockley County Appraisal District showed that values for 15 of 17 local taxing entities are higher than they were in 2009.
In most cases, though, the increases were modest.
Local school officials are cautious about the prospects for higher property values leading to a decline in property tax rates.
Values for Levelland ISD are up 7.91 percent from 2009.
If the school district leaves its maintenance and operation tax rate the same - at $1.04 per $100 valuation - it would raise more revenue through the higher values.
But that would be offset by a decline in state aid, said Supt. Mark Holcomb.
"We don't think anything is going to change that much because our money will be the same," Holcomb said. "We'll lose state funding if we increase our (local) funding. What happens is when our values go up, we typically lose state money."
(Posted Mon 02:57 pm)
Reversing last year's track, property values for most taxing entities increased this year.
A report from the Hockley County Appraisal District showed that values for 15 of 17 local taxing entities are higher than they were in 2009.
In most cases, though, the increases were modest.
Local school officials are cautious about the prospects for higher property values leading to a decline in property tax rates.
Values for Levelland ISD are up 7.91 percent from 2009.
If the school district leaves its maintenance and operation tax rate the same - at $1.04 per $100 valuation - it would raise more revenue through the higher values.
But that would be offset by a decline in state aid, said Supt. Mark Holcomb.
"We don't think anything is going to change that much because our money will be the same," Holcomb said. "We'll lose state funding if we increase our (local) funding. What happens is when our values go up, we typically lose state money."
Sports
Local umpires selected for World Series
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:46 am)
Local umpires selected for World Series
Like the lawmen of the old west, baseball umpires keep a close eye on their diamond, making sure that every rule is followed.
Kelly Baggett and Brian Martin, both of Levelland, were selected to be the host 'lawmen' for the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series in August.
This isn't Baggett's first time at the plate. He brings with him over 30 years of umpiring experience.
"I just love being a part of the game," Baggett said. "This is a nice honor to be able to do something like this."
Baggett began umpiring shortly after graduating from Brownfield high school.
"I got into it right out of high school during the summertime," Baggett said.
He had always played baseball and umpiring was a chance for him to stay in the game that he loved so much.
"I played growing up. Little League, Babe Ruth and high school ball," Baggett said. "I never was really good, but I just liked the game."
After that summer he went on to Hardin Simmons University in Abilene to play for the fledgling baseball program in 1968.
"That was pretty bush league out there," Baggett said. "It wasn't like we were playing Division 1 ball like at Texas Tech. Monterey probably would have beaten us."
Upon graduating, Baggett went into a career of teaching and coaching, but he still called games during the summer.
"In the summer I would just do a little umpiring to make a little extra money," Baggett said. "It wasn't much, but I loved it."
Calling games has been Baggett's way of getting on the field and interacting with the kids.
"I love watching them play, their enthusiasm," Baggett said. "I think that they enjoy me being out there too. If I can be a good role model for the kids, that is what I am going to be."
In 1983, Baggett joined the Lubbock Chapter of the Southwest Baseball Umpires Association. Since then, the group has changed its name to the Texas Association of Baseball Officials.
"I have been a member ever since then, except for the seven years that I was principal for Levelland," Baggett said.
He has been involved in several college and high school games through his involvement with the organization.
"I have called for Eastern New Mexico, Wayland Baptist and Lubbock Christian University," Baggett said.
Martin on the other hand doesn't have quite as many years as Baggett, but he has the same love of baseball.
His sons had both finished up their play in Babe Ruth and Little League, so he felt as if he was lost.
"All of a sudden it was over, and I didn't want to lose it," Martin said.
Baggett asked Martin to start calling local games with him and to start learning how to be an umpire.
"I started calling games in either 1999 or 2000 when Kelly asked me to help him ump," Martin said.
What started out as a convenient replacement to coaching, turned into a fun hobby.
"It really turned out to be a lot of fun," Martin said.
Since then, Martin has joined the TABO after being convinced by Baggett.
"Kelly said that I was just as good as any of those other guys calling games," Martin said.
Both men said that it was an honor to be even considered to call the series.
"When he (Pat Phelan) came and asked me to umpire, I could resist," Martin said. "Kelly called me and said that it would be fun to do the series together."
The two have literally called hundreds of games together and Baggett said that they enjoy calling games together.
"We know each other's mechanics," Baggett said. "It is just really good to work with a partner that you trust and have faith in."
Baggett said that umpiring and calling a game is all about timing: when to call strikes or balls and even calls at the plate or on base.
"That is what they teach us when we train, timing is everything," Baggett said.
Both umpires said that they have had their share of bad games, but Martin said that they happen.
"Every mistake that you make just makes you better," Martin said.
Martin expects to stay umpiring for the next 10 to 12 years, and Baggett, well, expects to go until he gives out.
"Physically, it is getting harder and harder to get out there on the field," Baggett said. "There is going to be a day when I can't do it anymore."
Both men will work calling games in the sport that they love the most, until they can't anymore.
"I love a good baseball game," Martin said. "I've got the best seat in the house."
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:46 am)
Local umpires selected for World Series
Like the lawmen of the old west, baseball umpires keep a close eye on their diamond, making sure that every rule is followed.
Kelly Baggett and Brian Martin, both of Levelland, were selected to be the host 'lawmen' for the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series in August.
This isn't Baggett's first time at the plate. He brings with him over 30 years of umpiring experience.
"I just love being a part of the game," Baggett said. "This is a nice honor to be able to do something like this."
Baggett began umpiring shortly after graduating from Brownfield high school.
"I got into it right out of high school during the summertime," Baggett said.
He had always played baseball and umpiring was a chance for him to stay in the game that he loved so much.
"I played growing up. Little League, Babe Ruth and high school ball," Baggett said. "I never was really good, but I just liked the game."
After that summer he went on to Hardin Simmons University in Abilene to play for the fledgling baseball program in 1968.
"That was pretty bush league out there," Baggett said. "It wasn't like we were playing Division 1 ball like at Texas Tech. Monterey probably would have beaten us."
Upon graduating, Baggett went into a career of teaching and coaching, but he still called games during the summer.
"In the summer I would just do a little umpiring to make a little extra money," Baggett said. "It wasn't much, but I loved it."
Calling games has been Baggett's way of getting on the field and interacting with the kids.
"I love watching them play, their enthusiasm," Baggett said. "I think that they enjoy me being out there too. If I can be a good role model for the kids, that is what I am going to be."
In 1983, Baggett joined the Lubbock Chapter of the Southwest Baseball Umpires Association. Since then, the group has changed its name to the Texas Association of Baseball Officials.
"I have been a member ever since then, except for the seven years that I was principal for Levelland," Baggett said.
He has been involved in several college and high school games through his involvement with the organization.
"I have called for Eastern New Mexico, Wayland Baptist and Lubbock Christian University," Baggett said.
Martin on the other hand doesn't have quite as many years as Baggett, but he has the same love of baseball.
His sons had both finished up their play in Babe Ruth and Little League, so he felt as if he was lost.
"All of a sudden it was over, and I didn't want to lose it," Martin said.
Baggett asked Martin to start calling local games with him and to start learning how to be an umpire.
"I started calling games in either 1999 or 2000 when Kelly asked me to help him ump," Martin said.
What started out as a convenient replacement to coaching, turned into a fun hobby.
"It really turned out to be a lot of fun," Martin said.
Since then, Martin has joined the TABO after being convinced by Baggett.
"Kelly said that I was just as good as any of those other guys calling games," Martin said.
Both men said that it was an honor to be even considered to call the series.
"When he (Pat Phelan) came and asked me to umpire, I could resist," Martin said. "Kelly called me and said that it would be fun to do the series together."
The two have literally called hundreds of games together and Baggett said that they enjoy calling games together.
"We know each other's mechanics," Baggett said. "It is just really good to work with a partner that you trust and have faith in."
Baggett said that umpiring and calling a game is all about timing: when to call strikes or balls and even calls at the plate or on base.
"That is what they teach us when we train, timing is everything," Baggett said.
Both umpires said that they have had their share of bad games, but Martin said that they happen.
"Every mistake that you make just makes you better," Martin said.
Martin expects to stay umpiring for the next 10 to 12 years, and Baggett, well, expects to go until he gives out.
"Physically, it is getting harder and harder to get out there on the field," Baggett said. "There is going to be a day when I can't do it anymore."
Both men will work calling games in the sport that they love the most, until they can't anymore.
"I love a good baseball game," Martin said. "I've got the best seat in the house."
World Series Updates
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:44 am)
Levelland preparing for World Series
Preparations for the 13-year-old Babe ruth World Series have been underway for the better part of a year, and Levelland is ready.
Robert Faraday, representative of Babe Ruth International, had a list of things that Levelland needed to do in order to get the World Series. One of those was expanding the seating at Lobo Field.
Kelly Baggett, director of administrative services for LISD, said that the seating was something that was taken care of relatively quickly.
"Our existing seating is about 650," Baggett said. "We understood they wanted about 1,500 seats."
The district contemplated ripping out the existing seating and press box and building a elevated wrap-around seating style that would include an updated press box.
"That was just going to be too costly," Baggett said.
The initial cost of the new seating project would have been approximately $450,000. Superintendent Mark Holcomb asked Baggett for another solution to the issue.
"We determined that we could lease the required seating at a much more reasonable price than installing permanent seats,' Baggett said.
He contacted a company out of Ashland, Virginia, called T and B Equipment. The company representative said that the have done seating for the College Regional Baseball series, the Colonial Golf Tournament and the US Open.
"So, they are a very reputable company," Baggett said.
The said price for the bleachers will be $26,000.
"That is turnkey: them bringing them in, setting it up and taking it down," Baggett said. "We have them scheduled to come inhere about a week prior to the tournament starting."
The seats will be two, 30 foot long, 13 row aluminum bleachers with ADA accessability seating.
"It will be and additional 520 seats to what we have now. It will give us roughly 1,200 seats," Baggett said. "They will be extensions onto the current stadium seating that we have now."
Baggett said that the press box would not have to be expanded or updated.
"When Robert Faraday came and looked at it, he said that it was more than adequate for the series," Baggett said.
Other improvements will be made to the field itself. The district has been working hard to keep the field well groomed for the August event.
"Our guys are constantly mowing, grooming and fertilized the fields," Baggett said. "It is going to be popping for the Series."
In the middle of the month, Baggett expects to have a company come in to groom the field and to replace dirt and clay in low spots.
"We are going to redo the mound, batters box and catcher's spot with new clay brick," Baggett said.
In preparation for the company to come in July, Baggett had a group of turf experts come to review the grass to see if they needed to do anything else to improve it.
"They were amazed at how nice the turf is and how well it has been taken care of," Baggett said. "That is a compliment to our grounds guys."
Baggett doted on Pete Riggs, the Sodexo school service and coach Jeff Hagen for their hard work throughout the year and the summer.
"They have been working particularly hard on this baseball complex," Baggett said.
The grounds crew also worked on improving the existing concession stand that includes both men and women's restrooms.
"We repainted and rehabbed the existing concession stand," Baggett said. "That has been a really good move on our part."
Another possible expense for the district will be the addition of portable restrooms, but they are just a possibility Baggett said.
The total expense for the improvements, leased bleachers and possible portable toilets will range between $35,000 and $39,000.
"That is what the district is putting into this tournament," That is a far cry from the $450,00 renovation."
Chamber of Commerce President Mary Siders said that the entire community is gearing up for the event. Various organizations and businesses have volunteered their time for the event.
"No doubt this is a huge investment for our community time wise and monetarily, but Levelland is know for being aggressive and going the extra mile to take risks and make things happen," Siders said.
Meals, trophies and souvenirs have been purchased completely locally to give the town the maximum amount of return for the event.
"We have worked diligently to keep all of the proceeds from the tournament in Levelland," Siders said.
City Manager rick Osburn said that the Parks Department has worked hard to get the city baseball fields ready for the team to practice on.
"We hope to have all of the fields up to practice standards by the time the series comes," Osburn said.
Their main focus has been the Babe Ruth field in the city park, but crews are working swiftly to be ready.
"There is a lot to do, but we are preparing well for it," Osburn said.
One thing that Baggett said that has rang true throughout the entire process of planning for the Series is that Levelland is working together well.
"It is going to be a showcase of the city," Baggett said. "When the City of Levelland and the people of Levelland do something, we do it right."
(Posted 7/14/2010 09:44 am)
Levelland preparing for World Series
Preparations for the 13-year-old Babe ruth World Series have been underway for the better part of a year, and Levelland is ready.
Robert Faraday, representative of Babe Ruth International, had a list of things that Levelland needed to do in order to get the World Series. One of those was expanding the seating at Lobo Field.
Kelly Baggett, director of administrative services for LISD, said that the seating was something that was taken care of relatively quickly.
"Our existing seating is about 650," Baggett said. "We understood they wanted about 1,500 seats."
The district contemplated ripping out the existing seating and press box and building a elevated wrap-around seating style that would include an updated press box.
"That was just going to be too costly," Baggett said.
The initial cost of the new seating project would have been approximately $450,000. Superintendent Mark Holcomb asked Baggett for another solution to the issue.
"We determined that we could lease the required seating at a much more reasonable price than installing permanent seats,' Baggett said.
He contacted a company out of Ashland, Virginia, called T and B Equipment. The company representative said that the have done seating for the College Regional Baseball series, the Colonial Golf Tournament and the US Open.
"So, they are a very reputable company," Baggett said.
The said price for the bleachers will be $26,000.
"That is turnkey: them bringing them in, setting it up and taking it down," Baggett said. "We have them scheduled to come inhere about a week prior to the tournament starting."
The seats will be two, 30 foot long, 13 row aluminum bleachers with ADA accessability seating.
"It will be and additional 520 seats to what we have now. It will give us roughly 1,200 seats," Baggett said. "They will be extensions onto the current stadium seating that we have now."
Baggett said that the press box would not have to be expanded or updated.
"When Robert Faraday came and looked at it, he said that it was more than adequate for the series," Baggett said.
Other improvements will be made to the field itself. The district has been working hard to keep the field well groomed for the August event.
"Our guys are constantly mowing, grooming and fertilized the fields," Baggett said. "It is going to be popping for the Series."
In the middle of the month, Baggett expects to have a company come in to groom the field and to replace dirt and clay in low spots.
"We are going to redo the mound, batters box and catcher's spot with new clay brick," Baggett said.
In preparation for the company to come in July, Baggett had a group of turf experts come to review the grass to see if they needed to do anything else to improve it.
"They were amazed at how nice the turf is and how well it has been taken care of," Baggett said. "That is a compliment to our grounds guys."
Baggett doted on Pete Riggs, the Sodexo school service and coach Jeff Hagen for their hard work throughout the year and the summer.
"They have been working particularly hard on this baseball complex," Baggett said.
The grounds crew also worked on improving the existing concession stand that includes both men and women's restrooms.
"We repainted and rehabbed the existing concession stand," Baggett said. "That has been a really good move on our part."
Another possible expense for the district will be the addition of portable restrooms, but they are just a possibility Baggett said.
The total expense for the improvements, leased bleachers and possible portable toilets will range between $35,000 and $39,000.
"That is what the district is putting into this tournament," That is a far cry from the $450,00 renovation."
Chamber of Commerce President Mary Siders said that the entire community is gearing up for the event. Various organizations and businesses have volunteered their time for the event.
"No doubt this is a huge investment for our community time wise and monetarily, but Levelland is know for being aggressive and going the extra mile to take risks and make things happen," Siders said.
Meals, trophies and souvenirs have been purchased completely locally to give the town the maximum amount of return for the event.
"We have worked diligently to keep all of the proceeds from the tournament in Levelland," Siders said.
City Manager rick Osburn said that the Parks Department has worked hard to get the city baseball fields ready for the team to practice on.
"We hope to have all of the fields up to practice standards by the time the series comes," Osburn said.
Their main focus has been the Babe Ruth field in the city park, but crews are working swiftly to be ready.
"There is a lot to do, but we are preparing well for it," Osburn said.
One thing that Baggett said that has rang true throughout the entire process of planning for the Series is that Levelland is working together well.
"It is going to be a showcase of the city," Baggett said. "When the City of Levelland and the people of Levelland do something, we do it right."
