The Olton Enterprise

Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.The Federal Emergency Management Agency begins accepting COVID-19 Funeral Assistance applications April 12, and Michael Ramage, owner of Ramage Funeral Directors, says his company stands ready to assist families served after Jan. 20, 2020, who think they may be eligible to apply for a FEMA reimbursement.

“We want to help our families in every way possible before, during, and after the funeral,” Ramage said. “Now that families are able to apply for reimbursement for COVID-19 related deaths, Ramage Funeral Directors wants to help those families through the application process so that they can receive financial relief. We’re grateful to be able to help our families in this way.”

Read the complete story in the April 9, 2021 issue of the Olton Enterprise

Mandatory 10-digit local dialing is coming to the 806 area code, and you can start using it on April 24.

The Federal Communications Commission issued an order in July 2020 setting 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The order requires telecomm providers to make network changes to ensure 988 access by July 16, 2022.

Area code 806 and six others area codes in Texas — 254, 361, 409, 830, 915 and 940 — have numbers with a 988 prefix. Therefore, these areas must transition from seven-digit to 10-digit local dialing. Ten-digit local dialing become mandatory Oct. 24. However, the beginning of a “permissive dialing period” in which callers in those area codes can still complete a call with seven-digit dialing begins April 24.

Callers should begin using 10-digit local dialing during the interim period because when permissive dialing expires, only calls dialed with 10 digits will be connected.

After Oct. 24, local calls dialed with seven digits will reach a recording prompting them to hang up and dial again using the area code with the seven-digit telephone number.

Other changes also need to be made during this time. Safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices, and alarm and security systems must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing. Many systems operate on 10-digit dialing by default, but some older equipment still uses seven-digits. Reprogramming may be required for 10-digit local dialing.

Read the complete story in the April 9, 2021 issue of the Olton Enterprise

Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.Four people, including a woman and two children from Olton, were injured around 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2021, in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of US 70 and Farm-to-Market Road 1070/Texas 179 North in Halfway.

According to a nurse who witnessed the collision, the woman and her two children, a 12 year-old girl and 15 year-old boy, were traveling east on US 70 when the GMC Escalade in which they were riding collided with a Dodge Ram pickup entering the intersection from FM 1070/Texas 179 North. A Plainview man was driving the  pickup.

The nurse, who works at Runningwater Draw Care Center, as well as another RDCC nurse who came upon the collision short after it occurred, provided care until Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association personnel staffing an Olton EMS ambulance arrived at the scene.

Among other first responders at the crash site were Halfway Volunteer Fire Department, Olton Volunteer Fire Department, a Hale County constable, Department of Public Safety troopers and other law enforcement officers.

US 70 in both directions, as well as Farm-to-Market Road 1070 and Texas 179 North, were closed for at least 30 minutes while first responders tended the victim and the wreckage was cleared.

The extent of the injuries of the four people involved in the collision were not believed to be life threatening. However, they were transported to Covenant Hospital-Plainview. There were no other people in either vehicle.

Read the complete story in the April 2, 2021 issue of the Olton Enterprise

Happy State Bank recently contributed more than $10,000 for a new Spectrum baseball scoreboard at Mustangs Field. The scoreboard was installed last week. According to Ross Lassiter, Olton Independent School District’s Athletic Director, the old scoreboard was so out of date that it was no longer possible to purchase replacement lights. Happy State Bank is scheduled to be recognized for the contribution today before Olton’s game against Hale Center. Happy State Bank Branch President Brent Falkenberg throws out the first pitch for game, which starts at 11 a.m.

Read the complete story in the April 2, 2021 issue of the Olton Enterprise

If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.Eleven Olton High School seniors were presented with National Center for Construction Education and Research certification cards during a school board meeting last week. Those introduced by intructor Gale Long were Alberto Durantes, Jack Allcorn, Aldo Vasquez, Troy Hernandez, Alfredo Gonzales, Alex Pinkerton, E.J. Vega, Xavier Rodriguez, Tyler Ivins, Jimmy Guerrero and Alex Zuniga. The senior welding students also will receive dual credit certification from South Plains College. During the presentation, school trustees stepped out to see a trailer the seniors constructed this year. The OHS welding program has received $95,000 in equipment grants during the past three years. Junior students begin working on another trailer project shortly, and it will be completed next year.

Read the complete story in the April 2, 2021 issue of the Olton Enterprise

Olton High School’s One-Act Play cast and crew advanced to Bi-District compeition, where they recently qualified as the alternate for Area compeition. Karagan Lynn won Top Performer honors, while Jayden Reyna was named to the Bi-District All-Star Cast. Two performers received Bi-District Honorable Mention All-Star Cast recognition — Diana Arriola and Giselle Gomez. Lisette Guerrero was honored with inclusion on the Bi-District Top Technical Crew. Erin Marmolejo directs Olton High School’s One-Act Play program.

Read the complete story in the April 2, 2021 issue of the Olton Enterprise