Archives for May 2002

Local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts are planning activities to honor those soldiers who have given their lives for their country this weekend.

The VFW will be decorating the graves of veterans in Citizens Cemetery this Friday at 5 p.m. The flags will fly through next Friday.

Anyone wishing to help the VFW is asked to meet at the cemetery. If a grave is not marked that should be, extra flags will be placed near the cemetery gates.

On Saturday, the Adamson-Lane American Legion Post will hold services at the Rowe Cemetery near Hedley at 10 a.m. Scheduled activities include singing and the calling of the roll of veterans interred at the cemetery. Relatives in attendance may answer “here” when their loved one’s name is called.

The traditional VFW service at the Donley County War Memorial will not be held this year due to the construction taking place on the square.

The meeting of the Clarendon Board of Aldermen became heated last week as the city again faced criticism of its new animal ordinance.

“I won’t pay one red cent to keep a horse on my property,” said resident Carl Larsen, who claimed the ordinance violates his property rights.

Ordinance 340 requires landowners to obtain a $20 land license and a $10 per head permit in order to keep livestock in the city limits. The law also prescribes space requirements and other rules for keeping livestock in the city.

Alderman Michael Tibbets thanked Larsen for addressing the board and said he had erred in voting for the measure last month.

“I made a mistake voting for this ordinance,” Tibbets said. “It wasn’t the first mistake I have made, and it likely won’t be the last if I’m fortunate enough to keep living.”

Tibbets raised questions about the provision of the ordinance which specifies that violators may have their stock seized and said he thinks it violates state caps on what the city is allowed to confiscate.

Alderman Tommy Hill moved to repeal the ordinance, but that motion was deemed out of order since an ordinance cannot be repealed without a new ordinance to take its place.

“It would be just like the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment,” Tibbetts explained.

Other aldermen bristled at the idea of repealing the ordinance.

“What are we going to do without this?” Mayor Pro-tem Mark White asked. “We’re going to be in the same situation we were before with animals in the city limits.”

Alderman Bob Watson echoed White’s statement saying the council had spent a great deal of time on the new law and that it should stand. Watson moved, seconded by Alderman Janice Knorpp to table the ordinance until the May 28 meeting.

In other city business, Mayor Tex Selvidge administered the oath of office to newly elected Aldermen Tommy Hill, Janice Knorpp, and Mark White and presided over the selection of a new mayor pro-tem. Nominations for Watson and Tibbets both failed to receive support before White was nominated and was unanimously elected.

White took charge of the meeting, allowing the mayor to return home to continue his recovery from a recent surgery.

The board discussed the city’s ranking of engineering proposals for a street improvement plan. The board agreed that not enough time was taken in reviewing the proposals at the previous city meeting. Board consultant Colby Waters said that the ranking was done under state procurement guidelines and therefore the city must move forward with its selection or risk violating those rules.

David Pitts reported on the city’s emergency sirens and radios. He asked the board to consider getting a generator for City Hall to power the facility in case of an emergency.

The board also discussed the basement of City Hall and its use as a public shelter. The basement needs to be cleaned out, and new lighting needs to be installed.

An agreement providing for regulating subdivisions by the county within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality was discussed. The board approved a motion to let the county handle the matter.

The board approved Ordinance 341 which codifies all the ordinances passed by the city since 1901. The action has the effect of organizing the ordinances for easier reference and easier enforcement. It also eliminates some obsolete provisions and laws.

“United We Stand” was the theme for the 2001-2002 All Sports Banquet that was held May 18 at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center.  Many awards were given for the year’s accomplishments.

In another year of adversity, the Broncos and Lady Broncos have learned to endure.  They have had to learn how to reach deep within themselves to draw on their inner strengths to emerge as winners.  Not necessarily always winners on the scoreboard or in the record books but always winners in their hearts.  Sometimes the Broncos’ and Lady Broncos’ successes aren’t “pretty,” but they’re successes nonetheless.

They were recognized for their many accomplishments as a team and individually at the All Sports Banquet given in their honor.

The Lady Broncos’ Fighting Heart Award went to senior Kelley Lemley and junior Lacey Anderberg. 

Senior Janey Aduddell and junior Kylen Karr shared the Lady Bronco basketball Offensive Player of the Year honor.  Junior May Butler was the Defensive Player of the Year.

The Lady Bronco Track Athlete of the Year was freshman Angel Williams and the Outstanding Athlete of the Year was senior April Bryley.

On the men’s side, seniors Jeremy Ray and Brian Thompson were named as the Offensive and Defensive Football Players of the Year, respectively.  The Offensive Basketball Player of the Year was Cody Watson and the Defensive Player of the Year was Jarad Lax.

Junior James Williams received the Track Athlete of the Year and the Clyde Wilson Fighting Heart award winner was senior Micah Sparks.

The Outstanding Bronco Athlete of the Year was Greg Wootten.

Congratulations to all Broncos and Lady Broncos on a great year. Next year will be even greater.

PAMPA – Nucor Steel’s Bar Mill Group presented Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, with its first-ever “Friend of the Texas Environment” award during ceremonies at the Phillips facility in Borger, Texas.

Jim Darsey, vice president and general manager of the Jewett-based company, praised Chisum not only for his legislative accomplishments, but also “a lifetime of personal contribution that has made our state a better place in which to work and live.”

“Representative Chisum has brought the value of dedication, the discipline of commitment, and the inspiration of leadership to everything he has done and to everyone he has served,” Darsey said in presenting the award. “By any standard, he is a true Texas leader.”

Darsey singled out Chisum’s positive efforts to shape a policy that would enable industry to comply with the federal Clean Air Act without putting their operations – and their employees – at risk.

In the last session of the legislature, there were efforts to impose strict new guidelines on Texas industries that in some cases were so broad, Darsey said, they would have had the “practical effect of shutting down companies throughout our state, eliminating thousands of jobs, and weakening local tax bases.”

Chisum, he continued, “developed a strategy to close a loophole for unpermitted air emission sources that will help us meet the goals of the act – but not at the expense of Texas workers and Texas industries.”

In addition to that legislation, Darsey also credited Chisum for a number of other environmental successes:

• Toughening auto-emission tailpipe tests in counties where pollution is the greatest.

• Changing the name of the Texas Natural Resources & Conservation Commission to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, a name he said “better reflects its mission.”

• Ensuring that the agency primarily focuses its regulatory resources on the “bad apples” rather than companies that obey the law and act as responsible environmental stewards.

• Increasing public involvement in the regulatory process.

He added that these and other achievements are examples of how Chisum “has shaped common-sense policies that protect our natural resources while at the same time preserving our state’s ability to grow, create jobs, and be competitive for new investment.”

He added, “That is not a simple task. Too often, the winds of politics blow elected officials to one extreme or the other. The rhetoric gets hot, and there is a lot of activity…but not a lot of progress. Representative Chisum has resisted those pressures. And we are better off today because of his efforts.”

The comments reflected the proclamation that accompanied the honor, which recognizes Chisum for “his leadership as Chairman of the House Environmental Regulation Committee and his vision for a better future for all of Texas.”

The Pampa lawmaker earned additional praise that went beyond his commitment to responsible environmental policies, as his successful efforts to establish a center for rural economic development were also cited.

Noting that the Nucor facility was in a small community in a rural county, Darsey offered his personal thanks to Chisum for “showing the world that our non-urban areas have a lot to offer – like a great quality of life, productive workers, and a strength of character that is uncommon almost anywhere else in the country.”

Chisum represents the 88th District, which includes Carson, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts, Sherman, and Wheeler counties. In addition to chairing the Environmental Regulation Committee, he is also a member of the County Affairs and House Administration committees.

Nucor is the largest recycler in the United States, handling more than 12 million tons of scrap metal each year.  Nucor and affiliates are manufacturers of steel and steel products with operating facilities in 10 states, including four sites in Texas. The Nucor Bar Mill Group has been in Jewett for 26 years, and currently produces a wide range of products, including carbon steel angles, rounds, flats, squares, channels, reinforcing bars, and wide-flange beams.

The addition to the Hedley Public School building is right on track with concrete work being done and steel expected in two weeks, according to Principal Terry Stevens.

Workers were busy this week grinding and polishing the terrazzo in what will become the main entrance to the school. Stevens said the terrazzo is being installed by the Amarillo firm of Zanchettin Brothers, who installed the floors in the current school building more than 30 years ago.

When completed next fall, the addition will give Hedley students four more classrooms and a large multimedia room which will serve as a combination library-auditorium with a seating capacity of 400. A large, elevated stage will be used for choir programs and plays.

“We usually have 400 or more people here for graduation,” Stevens said. “We’ll just roll the bookshelves away, and we should be able to get everyone in here. It will be air-conditioned so it will be more comfortable than having graduation in the gym was.”

The project also provides two storage rooms for equipment and chairs as well as two new administrative offices.

“We were just simply out of space,” Stevens said. “When we’re through, we will have a classroom for every teacher.”

Stevens said he expects the addition will meet the needs of Hedley school kids for the foreseeable future.

The $1.2 million project is being partially funded through an Instructional Facilities Allotment grant from the state. The IFA money will cover approximately 83 percent of the cost while the Hedley school district picks up the rest.

When completed, the main entrance of the building will face west and a new gable metal roof will cover both the new and old sections of the building.

The gymnasium will also be re-roofed and will have a new ventilation system to make it more comfortable for Owl fans.

Hedley High School has announced Lora Lee Llewellyn and Dustin Bryan Knowles as its top students for the 2002 graduating class.

Llewellyn is the 2002 valedictorian. She is the daughter of Shelia Llewellyn and has attended Hedley Schools for seven years. She has been on the “A” Honor Roll throughout high school and is graduating with a 97.531 average.

Llewellyn has been active in basketball, making the All-District and All-Region teams, and has also played tennis, finishing fourth in district last year. She was a cheerleader her sophomore and junior years and was a member of the district champion UIL Science Team. She has been a member of Business Professionals of America, One Act Play, Yearbook Staff, the National Honor Society, and the school choir.

Llewellyn’s honors include being Miss HHS and being given the titles of Best Smile, Prettiest Girl, Most Scholarly, Cutest Couple, and Most Outgoing. She has been elected Senior Class President, Prom Queen, and Homecoming Queen.

Lora plans to attend West Texas A&M University and to become a social worker.

Dustin Knowles is the 2002 salutatorian and is the son of Anthony and Vicki Knowles. He has attended Hedley Schools for 13 years, spent 13 years on the “A” Honor Roll, and is graduating with a 96.048 average.

Knowles participated in football, basketball, track, golf, and tennis during his time in school. He has also been involved with UIL Number Sense, One Act Play, Business Professionals of America, FFA, Spanish Club, and the stock show.

He was a member of the Academic All-State Football Team, received the Teachers Honor Effort award, and was listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Seniors.

He has been elected FFA President and Reporter and Area 4 – Region 1 President for BPA. He was a BPA National Qualifier and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Knowles plans to attend Clarendon College, then transfer to the University of Hawaii to major in Business Administration.

Hedley Junior High has announced the top students of the eighth grade class this week.

Ben Shaw, son of Randy and Rhonda Shawn, is the top boy with an average of 93.

Kyra Stevens and Julie Funderberg tied for the top girl award, both having averages of 92. Stevens is the daughter of Terry and Laura Sue Stevens, and Funderberg is the daughter of Tommy and Deanna Funderberg.

An election year proposal from Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander has gotten the attention of officials at Clarendon College and other junior colleges around the state.

Last Tuesday, Rylander unveiled her TexasNextStep proposal, which would allow any graduating high school senior in the state to attend a community college or technical school free for two years.

“My goal is clear – I want Texas to have the most educated workforce in the nation,” Rylander said, noting that the program will make a K-14 education the norm in Texas.

TexasNextStep would use $150 million in lottery revenues to pay the tuition and required fees, plus the cost of textbooks, of every Texas student who enrolls within 16 months of high school graduation. The program would cover up to 60 semester hours plus any remediation needed.

“I think it’s a good plan,” said CC President Myles Shelton. “But any proposal in a campaign year has some ambiguity to it.”

Shelton said Rylander has captured the interest of community colleges, but more information is still needed. He also questioned how the new program would interact with existing state and federal financial aid programs.

Rylander’s website says the new program would cover expenses for students in two-year schools while existing programs would be used for those who directly enter four-year schools or transfer from a community college.

“If it really is a program that pays for two years of college regardless of financial need and separate from other programs, then I wonder if $150 million is really enough,” Shelton said.

CC is one of the smallest colleges in the state, and it alone collects approximately $1 million in tuition and fees.

The concept of using state lottery revenue to pay for college educations is not new. Shelton said the idea has been talked about in Texas ever since Georgia started a similar program several years ago.

“This has the potential to be a great thing for our college and our community,” Shelton said.

TexasNextStep is far from becoming reality though. Rylander, who faces Democratic challenger Marty Atkins in November, will have to win re-election, and then the new Legislature would have to implement the idea if the money is available.

Still, Rylander hopes the program will disprove a prediction from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics which says 60 percent of Texans will have only a high school diploma or less by 2030.

Area residents are once again promised a full slate of free health screenings as well as financial advice at the “Good Health, Much Wealth-Your Choice-Health Fair” scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bairfield Activity Center on the Clarendon College campus.

The health and wealth task force continues its commitment to providing easy access to information and services in a day at one location.  Last year’s event saved the public in excess of $32,000 on free health screens and financial services.  Each year the services are expanded, and this year is no exception.

Administering screening such as glucose, cholesterol, prostate, hemoglobin and blood pressure will be a collaborative effort by the Donley County Hospital District, Associated Ambulance Authority, Clarendon Family Medical Clinic, the Donley County Medical Center-Nursing Home, Novartis Pharmaceutical, and the Northwest Texas Healthcare System. Individuals are encouraged to fast for 12 hours prior to the screens to ensure more accurate results.

The Novartis Pharmaceutical will be sponsoring the bone density screening which proved extremely popular for the attendees last year.  The Lions Eye Bank will provide glaucoma screening.

The only services which require fees will be immunizations provided by the Texas Department of Health and breast mammograms by the Harrington Cancer Center.  Appointments are required for the mammograms and can be made by calling 356-1905 or 800-377-4673 in   Amarillo.  Immunizations will be offered at $5.00 per child.  The choice of shots will include all childhood immunizations except Td.  Parents must bring a copy of the child’s immunization record.

Coffee Memorial Blood Bank will conduct a blood drive during the fair hours for individuals wishing to make much needed blood donations.

Providing financial information and services this year will be Edward Jones Investments, Community State Bank, the Internal Revenue Service, and Herring National Bank. 

Educational exhibits will be provided by the Amarillo Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, American Red Cross, Crown of Texas Hospice, Donley County Extension Service, Donley County Child Welfare Board, Friends of the Library Literacy Council, Novartis Pharmaceutical, Amarillo VA Healthcare System, Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, 9-1-1 Network, Med-Link Services, Rhinehart’s Assisted Living, RSVP, Meredith House, Texas Department of Human Services, Texas Panhandle Poison Center, Panhandle Rehabilitation Specialists, Advanced Hearing Technologies, Clarendon Outpost Pharmacy, Harrington Cancer Center, Mannatech, Northwest Texas Health Care System, Texas Department of Health, and Texas Gold.

Patrick Robertson of KEFH 99.3 FM will provide a live remote broadcast at the health and wealth fair.  As the day progresses, door prizes donated by exhibitors will be awarded and announced on the air.

Plan to have lunch at the health and wealth fair as Steve and Pam Lewis with Frontier BBQ will be concessionaires.

For more information about “Good Health, Much Wealth-Your Choice-Health Fair,” contact the Donley County Extension Service at 874-2141. 

This is an event you won’t want to miss!