On May 7, a school bond election was held in Coupland ISD, which resulted in a 68-68 tie.
There was no polling place in Coupland, which may have affected turnout.
Superintendent Tammy Brinkman had explained the needs of the school. Enrollment is growing so fast that the new facilities are already more than filled up. Enrollment at the 2019 bond election was 130. It is now 275. Right now, there are four middle school classrooms, and six are needed, so the school is having to bring in a portable building.
According to Brinkman, Coupland now has nearly 100 high school age students who attend nearby high schools. The school would like to add a high school and serve those students in the community. The old campus would be from prekindergarten through fifth grade. The new campus would be built in phases for grades 6 through 12, middle school and high school. The proposal on the ballot was for $91.6 million in bonds, with the money being used as needed, not all at once.
Brinkman noted, “Since 1912, there’s been a long-standing commitment to excellence in public education in Coupland ISD. The board of trustees met to canvas the votes from the May 7 election on May 18. Of the 136 votes cast in the bond election, the results were 68 for and 68 against. When there is a tie, the bond fails.” She continued, “Although we are disappointed with the results, the board of trustees and I will re-group and put forth a bond package in the future. The growth in our community will continue and so will our pledge to provide the very best we can to our students.”
The retirement party for librarian Cecilia Stuchly and for Sarah Jezek was on Friday, May 20. This was a come and go celebration in the Coupland Library, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Many current and former students and teachers came to thank these two ladies for their many years of dedication to the Coupland students. Mrs. Stuchly has been the librarian for 40 years, and Mrs. Jezek has taught at the school for 30 years. They will be missed.
Eighth grade graduation was May 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Coupland Clean-Up Day
On Saturday, May 14, Coupland held a Clean-Up Day with four dumpsters at the tracks in downtown Coupland. Mayor Jack Piper and resident Buz Garry helped residents move their debris into the dumpsters. Also participating in Clean-Up Day was the Rohlack family, who picked up trash on their road, County Road 458. LaVerne Rohlack is Coupland’s city secretary, and all of her efforts to benefit the community are very much appreciated.
Masons open Taylor showroom
The April 25 Coupland Civic Organization meeting hosted Coupland designer and sculptor Wells Mason and his wife, Jessica. Then on Saturday, April 30, at noon, the Masons opened a new showroom at 120 W. Second St. in the McCrory Timmerman Building in downtown Taylor. Wells has won many awards and has been recognized in many publications.
The new Ironwood Gallery features sculpture and furniture by Wells, plus displays of high-end home hardware that is sold by Jessica. Guests at the open house included Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell and Coupland Mayor Jack Piper.
St. Peter’s Church of Coupland
The Ladies in Fellowship Together ladies meet the second Monday of even numbered months. The Men’s Brotherhood meets each second Monday and sponsors a 42 Domino game from 2 to 5 p.m. on the third Tuesday of even numbered months.
Lois Schmidt says, “We had another big turnout for our May 17 Seniors Luncheon. We had over 40 Senior Citizens attending, including hostesses and helpers.” Hostesses and hosts were Sandra and Don Wernli, Hermania Vitek, Janet Doss, Cindy Alexander, Cynthia and Teddy Wittliff, and Lois Schmidt. Helpers were Arthur and Joyce Henze, Charlotte Albert, and Wanda Walther.
Lois continues, “Charlotte did our beautiful decorating, and Pastor Charles did our table prayer. There were a lot of Bingo players and two tables of “42” Dominoes. A big thank you to everyone who helped us in any way.”
The next luncheon will be a picnic luncheon on July 19 at 11:30 a.m. The Seniors Luncheon is the second Tuesday of odd numbered months.
The St. Peter’s Diners is the third Thursday. They have fun trying different restaurants, and they raise money for Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry & Ministries. Coffee Connections is every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room.
Everyone is welcome to services at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.couplandchurch.org or email StPetersCoupland@ gmail.com.
New Sweden Church
New Sweden Church holds Adult Bible Class on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Sunday School is 9:30 a.m., and services are at 10:30 a.m.
The New Sweden Heritage Center held Heritage Day on May 21. Along with the Swedish meal, there was a dedication of the windmill that was brought up from the Peterson Farm and relocated next to the Heritage Center. It was restored by Jimmie Lee Christensen. The theme of Heritage Day was “cotton farming in the New Sweden community.”
The Mid-Summer Swedish Celebration will be June 23 at the Elgin SPJST Hall. There will be a silent auction and a May pole. Tickets must be purchased in advance at $12 each. Social hour is at 5 p.m., and the meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. For dessert, a Swedish bakery will be open.
Barbara Carisalez says, “Our God and Country Program will be held again this year on June 26 with a meal and festivities starting at 5 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. We recognize every branch of the military at the end of the service. All are welcome to all of our services and events.”
The church picnic will be Sunday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m.
New Sweden Church is at 12809 New Sweden Church Road. For more information, go to newswedenchurch@ gmail.com and www. newswedenelca.org.
Type Church
Type Church hosted the dedication of the Post Oak Island historical marker on May 14. The dedication was held in the church pavilion, and the church provided cookies and chairs for attendees. Pastor Terry offered an opening prayer.
Type Church services are 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. Type offers Children’s Church and a nursery. The church welcomes everyone. It is located at 1200 County Road 466, about five miles east-southeast of Coupland. To reach Pastor Terrence Kennedy, email [email protected] or phone 512-599-7761. Sermons are on the church’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/type.church.1.
