Archives for February 2009

By Linda Naylor

Hedley ISD was the host to the Glory Road Group last Friday, which consisted of Mary Haskins, the widow of the late Coach Don Haskins; Sue Coyer, Mary’s sister; Nevil Shed, a player from the 1966 NCAA Championship Western Texas team; Steve Tredennick, a former Haskins player; and Fred Schwake, an assistant.

It is a rare occurrence when a small town like Hedley can honor such a famous group of people as this. We felt as if we were in the presence of royalty.

The program began with Steve Tredennick’s presentation of two film featurettes. Mary Haskins delighted the audience with her warm words and beautiful smile, and Nevil Shed spoke to the eager listeners about his experiences with Coach Haskins as well as his philosophy on life in general, which he credited Haskins with shaping to a large degree.

The Hedley students, teachers, support staff, administration, community members, and former Haskins players were mesmerized by Mr. Shed’s speech. We sat spellbound by his wonderful sense of humor and his insightful words. He emphasized the message that the winning team of which he was a part could be summed up with one word “cohesiveness,” and it was a “we” team not a “me” team.

He also told the students that Coach Haskins taught his team that if they had a dream that they would have to go out and take it. Mr. Shed has lived his life by these words of inspiration, and his speech certainly made a lasting impression on our students.

Kelby Shields, a Hedley senior, enthusiastically stated, “I feel like I can do anything right now. I’m ready to win tonight!” And, that is just what the Lady Owls did Friday night against the Lady Tigers of Groom. “Thank you, Nevil Shed.”

The former players shared their personal anecdotes of playing for Coach Haskins as did Steve Tredennick and Fred Schwake.

The former Haskins’ basketball players present at the program on Friday were Bill Maddox, Bob Roland, Roy Butler, Jerry McCarty, Merle Owens, Terry Bailey, Don Wells, Linda Alexander, Leveta Klinnert Helms, Elnora Corona Butler, Marie Burchfield, Cecilia Hoggard Lemons, Pat Houdashell Hargrove, and Carolyn McPherson Baker. Many students enjoyed having their questions answered by the real live celebrities.

Immediately following the informal Q&A, the Glory Road Group presented Hedley ISD with a poster-sized photograph of “THE BEAR” in his famous “grizzly stance”, a photo montage, a Wheaties box with the team members’ pictures and autographs, a copy of the book, Glory Road, and two videos, “An Evening With Don Haskins” and “Glory Road.” These items will be on display at the school for anyone interested in viewing them.

Superintendent Hill and Principal Wood presented the Glory Road Group with a memory keepsake paper weight as a gift of appreciation for inspiring our students to greater heights of achievement.

The members of the group offered autographs to all interested in obtaining them, and I don’t believe any person declined this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The former players and the Glory Road Group enjoyed a time of visitation after the presentations and autograph signing periods. Hedley ISD provided refreshments in the school spirit colors. A great time was had by all who attended.

In the previous articles, I was regretful that I didn’t have Mary Haskins’ thoughts and ideas concerning her husband, so, naturally, I was overjoyed that she graciously allowed me time to sit and talk with her. Mary is one of the loveliest women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and she was truly the “woman behind the man” or “the wind beneath his wings” so to speak. I know the readers will enjoy this interview as much as I did:

Q: How does it feel to come back to the areas where Coach Haskins began his career?

A: I feel overwhelmed and proud to be here and that people still remember us.

Q: What is your most vivid memory of the 1966 Championship game?

A: Most of the games that they played, we didn’t make contact with each other until he got home, but that night I went out onto the floor, and Don scooped me up and twirled me around right there on the court.

Q: In your opinion what was your husband’s greatest legacy, on or off the court?

A: The fact that he instilled a work ethic and the importance of getting an education because he realized that he needed an education to be successful, himself.

Off the court, he went quietly about helping people. If I started to say that it was a nice thing he did when he helped, he would quickly change the subject. He didn’t want me to say anything about it. I remember once he came across some stranded motorists along a highway in a neigh- boring town. Don put them in his truck and arranged for a wrecker to pick up their vehicle and take it to be repaired. He put them up in a motel and gave them some money. He paid for the wrecker and repair. No one knew about this until the mayor of the neighboring town called Don’s assistant, Tim Floyd, and told him about it. That’s just the way Don was. At Christmas, he would fill his truck with food, blankets, and coats and distribute them to the needy families. Because of Don’s own struggles growing up without much, he wanted to help others.

Q: How did your husband’s history changing notoriety affect you and your children?

A: For years this publicity wasn’t noticed. It just began building up. His name has opened up many doors for his sons.

Mrs. Haskins’ closing remark about her husband was the most telling of all: “I’ve often wondered what Don would have been like had he not married and settled down and become at least a little domesticated.”

This brings to a close the remarkable story of a bigger-than-life individual who was in reality a true humanitarian, a good father, loving husband, and an exceptional basketball coach. I urge you all to read his book or at the very least see Glory Road. Coach Don Haskins, you will be missed, but your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of thousands.

Two criminal cases were inadvertently left out of a January 29 article about recent district court activity. Sentencing in both cases was handed down Friday, January 23, 2009, in Clarendon.

Clarence Pierce, Jr., was convicted and sentenced to five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division for the offense of Sexual Assault. Pierce pleaded true to all the State’s allegations in its Motion to Adjudicate.

Pierce originally pleaded guilty to the offense of sexual assault on July 21, 2005, and received eight years deferred adjudication.

Ronald Eugene Henry was convicted and sentenced to four years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division for the offense of driving while intoxicated, 3rd or more. Henry pleaded true to all the State’s allegations in its motion to revoke defendant’s community supervision.
Henry originally pled guilty to the offense of DWI 3rd on October 3, 2005, and received a five year sentence in the TDCJ, probated for five years.

Filing opened Monday for candidates wishing to seek a position on any of six local boards during this spring’s elections.

The City of Clarendon will hold an election to choose the mayor and two aldermen for two-year terms. Those positions are currently held by Mayor Chris Ford and Aldermen Terry Noble and Ann Huey.

The City of Howardwick will elect the mayor and two aldermen. The mayor’s office has been vacant since Buster Baird resigned in June. The terms of Aldermen Pat Butler and Gene Rogers are also up for election this year. These officers each serve two-year terms.

Hedley’s election will select three members of the board of aldermen for two-year terms. Those seats are now held by Aldermen Bruce Howard, Pauline Owens, and Travis Ruthhardt (serving for Gaye Lollar).

Two positions on the Clarendon ISD Board of Trustees are up this year. Those seats are currently held by Wayne Hardin and Joe Lemley and are three-year terms.

Two full terms are up for election this year on the Hedley ISD Board of Trustees. The three-year positions of Cary Don Neely and Blain Burton (serving for Jim Lollar) are expiring.

The Donley County Hospital District will select three two-year positions on its board, now held by Don Thornberry (Place 1), Alan Fletcher (Place 2), and Melinda McAnear (Place 3).

All local offices are elected at-large, but hospital board candidates must sign up for a specific place.

Sign up continues through March 9, 2009; and the elections will be held Saturday, May 9.

Clarendon College has had many faces during its lifetime – from the historic three-story building that now houses Clarendon High School to its modern campus of 107 acres on highway 287.

The College’s current location began with six buildings and has grown to 15 buildings with softball and baseball fields and a livestock and equine center.

There have been many people enter her doors. Numbered among them are distinguished public servants, chief executives of business and industry, lawyers, doctors, and military officers.

There are many success stories that came from Clarendon College. Thanks to the educations they received here, these individuals have become productive and prominent citizens.  Clarendon College is proud of its ex-students.

The CC Ex-Student’s Association in cooperation with the College is in the process of gathering memorabilia for each decade from 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1990.

The Association began a task during the 1998 College Centennial by collecting historical memorabilia from 1898 through the 1930s.  Various memorabilia was collected, framed, and preserved under glass, and is now on display in the foyer of the College Instructional Center.

It is now time to bring this project forward into the college’s second century and the Association needs your help.

If you have any historical memorabilia or newsworthy items (past yearbooks, newspaper clippings, or photographs) from your year or years at Clarendon Junior College or Clarendon College and would like to donate to this worthy cause of  preserving the college’s past, please contact Darlene Spier by e-mail at darlene.spier@clarendoncollege.edu or by phone at 806-874-4801.  You may also contact Annis Stavenhagen, by e-mail at annis.stavenhagen@clarendoncollege.edu or by phone at 806-874-4814.

You can also send items to Clarendon College Ex-Student’s Association, P.O. Box 968, Clarendon, TX 79226.

City officials discussed utility deposits when the Clarendon Board of Aldermen met last week.

At issue is whether an existing utility customer or a new customer with proven credit should be required to pay a deposit on a new water account.

Current policy at City Hall requires deposits for all new accounts, and the money is not returned or applied until the account is closed. A new commercial account requires a $150 deposit, and a new residential account requires a $120 deposit.

City Administrator John Webb said the policy is in place to help protect the city from people who might otherwise walk out on their bills and move out of town.

“We currently have over $3,000 in delinquent accounts,” Webb said.

But some aldermen said other utilities aren’t operating the way the city is and that there should be a way for the deposit to be applied to the account after a period of time or be waived in the first place in some circumstances.

“I don’t see how it’s correct to keep the deposit for more than a year or two at the most,” Alderman Will Thompson said.

Alderman Ann Huey agreed and said she had lived in many places and had never had to pay a utility deposit because she was able to show good credit.

Mayor Chris Ford said he thought if a person had an existing account with the city with no delinquencies, that person should be allowed to open another account without putting down a deposit.

Webb said the board should be careful to craft policies that are fair to everyone and not just single out people.

The board took no action on the policy but will look into it further.

In other city business, Aldermen approved $4,000 from the Motel Bed Tax Fund to sponsor the Clarendon College Invitational Judging Contest this spring.

The contest annually brings more than 2,500 people to the city, filling restaurants and hotel rooms.

The board voted 4-1 to appoint Will Thompson as the city’s representative on the Tourism Committee. Alderman Thompson voted against the measure.
In his administrator’s report, Webb updated the board on work on the Rosenfield Bridge and extended his congratulations and appreciation to the members of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department’s Dive Team for their efforts during the recent drownings at Lake Greenbelt.

Donley County Commissioners will consider enacting a burn ban next Monday due to the dry conditions and the high risk of wildfires.

Local officials along with the Eastern Texas Panhandle Red Cross and the Texas Forest Service are urging everyone to use extreme caution with anything that might cause a fire.

Clarendon Fire Chief Delbert Robertson said conditions are right for a big fire.

“It is at a critical stage right now,” Robertson said. “Everyone needs to be careful about cigarettes, fires, and even pulling a car into tall grass.”

Robertson said several landowners have been conducting controlled burns in recent days but said he expects the county to enact a burn ban when those are completed.

Members of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department were among the area firefighters who helped fight a grassfire in Gray County that consumed an estimated 6,400 acres in parts of four counties. Six local firemen on three trucks worked about eight hours on the blaze.

The Texas Forest Service (TFS) said the wildfire danger is higher now due to a low pressure front that will drop humidity levels and produce high winds.

Tom Spencer, TFS predictive services department head, said these conditions could lead to wildfires that spread quickly, pose containment problems, and endanger public safety.

TFS Predictive Services Department forecasts that through the month of February, fuels, such as grasses and trees, are expected to remain critically dry.

According to an online database managed by TFS, fire departments have reported 163 wildfires for 7,899 since last Friday.

The Eastern Texas Panhandle Red Cross urges residents to take precautions.

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, grasses and homes. Reduce your risk now – before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area.

Follow these steps to protect your family, home and property. Create a 30 to 100 foot safety zone around your home. Within this area, take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Clear all flammable vegetation, including leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures. Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines. Mow grass regularly. Clear a 10 foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Follow local burning regulations. Stack firewood at least 100 feet away from home. Regularly clean roof and gutters.

When wildfire threatens follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Only if you have the time, take these steps to protect your home. Close windows and heavy drapes, close vents, all interior and exterior doors. Remove lightweight curtains. Shut off gas at the meter or propane tank. Turn off all pilot lights. Close fireplace screens. Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass doors.

Outside of your home, seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood. Place combustible patio furniture inside. Connect garden hose to outside taps. Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof and shrubs within 15 feet of home.

You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance. Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. Discuss the types of disaster that could occur. Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate. Practice what you have discussed. Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster. Pick two meeting places: one a safe distance near your home in case of fire and the second option outside your neighborhood in case you can not return home. Choose an out of state friend as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call.

Eastern Texas Panhandle Red Cross wants you to be safe. Practice and review these steps. The entire Texas Panhandle is in high fire danger and will probably remain so until spring. Prepare now! Know what to do in an emergency. For more information, contact Eastern Texas Panhandle Red Cross at 1-800-297-2270, go to redcross.org or call your local fire department.

Donley County’s first wind farm could be online by the end of this year following the announcement of an agreement to develop an area along FM 2471.

Nacel Energy Corporation has entered into the agreement with members of the Naylor family on 636 acres to develop what it is calling Hedley Pointe.

“We started researching wind energy about a year ago,” said family spokesman Blake Frye. “I was working with oil companies and seeing workers getting laid off and thought wind was going to be the next big thing.”

Frye said he approached Nacel, and they were interested in the Donley County property. The company erected a meteorological tower in December to measure winds.

A call to Nacel was not returned before press time, but a press release from the company said it anticipates 10 megawatts (MW), or more, of power generating capacity from Hedley Pointe.

“The winds are blowing about twice what they need here,” Frye said. “They also said this is a strategic spot because it allows them to connect to either ERCOT or SPP to sell the power.”

According to Nacel, SPP provides power to Kansas and portions of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. ERCOT provides power to 21 million customers covering 75 percent of Texas.

Frye said he has been doing contract work with Nacel and helped them and former Clarendon Alderman Michael Tibbets begin another project in Swisher County. Nacel has asked Frye to help them incerase the size of the Donley County project.

“I’m looking for two more sections on FM 2471 to expand this project to 20 turbines,” Frye said.

But that’s not slowing down development of Hedley Pointe, Frye said, noting that the company is proceeding with getting permits and hopes to have construction begun and completed by the end of this year or in early 2010.

Hedley Pointe is Nacel’s fourth location in the Texas Panhandle, CEO Brian Lavery said in the release. In addition to the 1,573-acre project in Swisher County, the company has two other projects in Moore County.
“We anticipate generating a total of 80 MW of clean, renewable power upon build-out of our four Texas Panhandle projects – enough energy to meet the daily requirements of an estimated 24,000 average American homes,” Lavery said.