Not all plan to party on New Year's Eve
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Some stay put, others stay up late, but it seems most people in El Campo have some sort of plan in place for ringing in the new year.

Russ Graves, 18, had perhaps the most unusual appointment to mark the transition to 2008.

"I've got to go to the doctor and have surgery New Year's Eve," the 18-year-old said. He will have pins removed from his wrist, broken in a rodeo accident.

Georgia Mican, 45, said she was "probably not going to do anything, just stay at home," while busy at work.

Then her memory was suddenly jogged.

"We're going gambling, to Coushatta," she said. "I completely forgot!"

Nancy Schulz was completely undecided Thursday as to how to spend the holiday.

"Usually I cook, but my daughter said she wanted to go to San Antonio, and the other child wanted to go gambling … but I'll probably just cook," the 51-year-old said.

Robby Strnadel, 27, said he was "going to a party somewhere," but hadn't really decided where.

Beverly Juranek, on the other hand, planned to stay put that night, as she usually does.

"I don't do anything, not on New Year's Eve," the 47-year-old said. "It's too dangerous."

Randy Fitch, 55, wasn't clear on his plans.

"I don't know yet," he said. "Mostly Linda and I try and make a dance somewhere, but I don't know this year."

David Cormier was busy running around town Thursday, so hadn't quite firmed up his holiday plans.

"I'll probably make a resolution I can't keep, and have me a few stiff drinks," the 70-year-old said with a chuckle.