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Archives for November 2009

Othel Christine Bolin

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Othel Christine Bolin, 85, died Saturday, November 7, 2009, in Amarillo.

Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2009, in the Robertson Chapel of Memories in Clarendon with Bright Newhouse, Minister of the Church of Christ in Hedley, officiating. Interment was held at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley. Services were under the arrangement of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Othel was born December 2, 1923, in Knox City to William and Grace Jennings Senelson. She was raised in Windy Valley and had been a resident of Hedley most of her life. She enjoyed cooking for everyone and making plum jelly. She loved the mountains as well as playing cards and games. She owned and operated Big Mom’s Café in Hedley serving home style Texas food. She was Methodist and attended Hedley Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband, Gene Bolin; her daughter, Gloria Jean Bible, on Feb. 9, 2008; three brothers; three sisters.

Survivors include three sons, Jerry Finchum and wife Sandra of Amarillo, Tony Winn of Joshua, Buddy Winn and wife Cindy of Amarillo; two daughters, Mary Farris of Clarendon, Sandy Taylor of Amarillo; Son-in-law, Terry Bible of Amarillo; sister-in-law, Wilma Senelson of Amarillo; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren.
The family request memorials be to Rowe Cemetery Association in Hedley.

Sign our online guestbook at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.

Sales tax revenues increase

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All three Donley County municipalities posted gains last week when Texas Comptroller Susan Combs delivered sales tax revenues collected in October.

The City of Clarendon received an allocation of $37,791.40, which is up 16.44 percent from the same period one year ago. That brings the city ahead 2.52 percent for the year to date with $285,033.99
Hedley’s revenue for the month increased 36.53 percent to $1,303.56, but that city is still lagging for the year-to-date, which is down 5.54 percent.

Howardwick saw a 5.19 percent increase for the month with an allocation of $1,570.35; but after two disappointing previous months, the city is still down 12.28 percent for the year.

Statewide, the comptroller collected $1.52 billion in sales tax revenue in October, down 12.8 percent compared to October 2008.

“Declining sales tax collections, which began in February, have continued with October’s collections,” Combs said. “Tax collections are down in major sectors of the economy, including retail trade, oil and natural gas, and construction.”

Statewide sales tax allocations are down 8.7 percent compared to November 2008.

November sales tax allocations represent September sales reported to the Comptroller in October by monthly tax filers and July, August and September sales reported in October by quarterly tax filers.

Donley County voters reject two propositions

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Donley County voters opposed two of eleven proposed amendments to the state constitution last Tuesday, but voters across the state approved all the propositions.
Turnout for the election was better locally than the state as a whole. Just less than 15 percent of registered Donley County voters cast ballots, while the statewide turnout hovered around eight percent.

By a margin of five votes, Donley County voters did not agree with Proposition 4, which would provide funding to emerging research universities.

Local voters also disapproved of Proposition 5, which would authorize the legislature to allow for a single appraisal review board for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated reviews of tax appraisals.

Proposition 11 received the largest margin of support from local voters, 291-62. That measure amends the state constitution to limit the power of eminent domain. The amendment would prohibit the taking of private property for transfer to a private entity for the purpose of economic development or to increase tax revenues. The amendment would also limit the legislature’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain in the future unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.

The second most popular item on the ballot for local voters was Proposition 7, which they approved of by a margin of 256-96. That measure amends the constitution to allow members of the State Guard to hold civil offices.

A total of 360 people cast ballots in Donley County. There are 2,424 registered voters in the county.

Balloting begins in FSA committee election

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Bruce Ferguson, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Donley County has announced that the 2009 FSA county committee elections start this week as ballots are being mailed to eligible voters. 

December 7, 2009, is the deadline for eligible voters to return ballots to their local FSA offices. 

“The FSA county committee system is unique among government agencies, because it allows producers to make important decisions concerning the local administration of federal farm programs,” said Ferguson. “I urge all eligible farmers and ranchers, especially minorities and women, to get involved and make a real difference in their communities by voting in this year’s elections.” 

Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to make decisions on disaster and conservation payments, establishment of allotments and yields, producer appeals, employing FSA county executive directors and other local issues. FSA committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws.

To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in FSA programs. A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm, can also vote. Agricultural producers in each country submitted candidate names during the nomination period held last summer. 

Eligible voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can obtain ballots at their local USDA Service Center. December 7, 2009, is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than December 7. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office January 1, 2010. 

Close to 8,000 FSA county committee members meet monthly at more than 2,300 FSA offices nationwide. Each committee consists of three to five members who serve three-year terms. Approximately one-third of county committee seats are up for election annually.

For more information about FSA county committees and FSA programs, visit: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

Broncos to face Nazareth in Bi-District

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The Broncos played their last regular game of the season at Bronco Stadium Friday night, and it was a contest that was much closer than the score revealed.
Clarendon lost to the Sky Rockets 7-28, but not before giving Wellington a huge test. Despite the loss, the Broncos have earned a spot in the playoffs and will play in the Bi-District game against Nazareth Friday, November 13 in Amarillo at Highland Park High School at 7:30 pm as the home team.
The Broncos were threatening to strike first deep in scoring range but threw an interception that Wellington ran back 99 yards for the first score of the game. Both teams remained scoreless in the second quarter, and the Rockets held the advantage going into the break.
The second score came early in the third quarter for Wellington, but the Broncos answered right back when Mike Crump and Johnny Gaines hooked up for six that went 44 yards. Coby Braughton added the bonus kick.
That would be the only score for the Broncos, but they racked up 184 total yards in the game. Rushing yards accounted for 140 of those yards, which equaled what the Rockets did with 145 yards rushing.
“We outplayed them,” head coach Gary Jack said. “We played right with them and caught them off guard. I was very pleased with their effort and performance.”
Minus a couple of mistakes and a few breaks to go the Broncos’ way, it would have been a different game.
“We told the guys we needed to take the fight to them,” Jack said. “We were ready to go. We just needed a couple key breaks to get the extra momentum going.”
Wellington was able to capitalize on a couple of mistakes made by the Broncos and gain the advantage on the scoreboard. Despite the loss, the guys played solid on both sides of the ball. Stephino McCampbell had a good game defensively and so did Brayden Phillips who grabbed a crucial interception for the Broncos and also stepped in for injured quarterback Johnny Gaines.
Gaines injury is healing and he did see some playing time and Jack feels he’ll be 100 percent for next week’s game with Naz.
“Johnny adds a lot to our game and having him in the game helps to give us that extra momentum,” Jack said.
Also playing tough defense according to Jack was Bradley Watson, Chris Crump, Mike Crump, Tre Brown, Lee Tolbert, and Forrest Yelverton. The Crump boys had 17 tackles between them, and Chris also got a sack on the QB. Brown had six tackles and a sack and Lee Tolbert had a solid game according to Jack. Freshman Forrest Yelverton played the entire game both ways and made six tackles.
The Broncos will be preparing all week for their Bi-District game with Nazareth and Jack knows they will be ready to go.
“We’re ready for them,” Jack said. “It’s a new season for us, and this (the playoffs) is all that matters. It will be a battle for us, because they are big. We scrimmaged them earlier in the year, and it was pretty even. They will play hard, and we are going to gear up and get ready to go.”
Make plans to support the Broncos at Highland Park, Friday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. for the Broncos’ first playoff game with the Swifts.

The Broncos played their last regular game of the season at Bronco Stadium Friday night, and it was a contest that was much closer than the score revealed.

Clarendon lost to the Sky Rockets 7-28, but not before giving Wellington a huge test. Despite the loss, the Broncos have earned a spot in the playoffs and will play in the Bi-District game against Nazareth Friday, November 13 in Amarillo at Highland Park High School at 7:30 pm as the home team.

The Broncos were threatening to strike first deep in scoring range but threw an interception that Wellington ran back 99 yards for the first score of the game. Both teams remained scoreless in the second quarter, and the Rockets held the advantage going into the break.

The second score came early in the third quarter for Wellington, but the Broncos answered right back when Mike Crump and Johnny Gaines hooked up for six that went 44 yards. Coby Braughton added the bonus kick.

That would be the only score for the Broncos, but they racked up 184 total yards in the game. Rushing yards accounted for 140 of those yards, which equaled what the Rockets did with 145 yards rushing.

“We outplayed them,” head coach Gary Jack said. “We played right with them and caught them off guard. I was very pleased with their effort and performance.”

Minus a couple of mistakes and a few breaks to go the Broncos’ way, it would have been a different game.

“We told the guys we needed to take the fight to them,” Jack said. “We were ready to go. We just needed a couple key breaks to get the extra momentum going.”

Wellington was able to capitalize on a couple of mistakes made by the Broncos and gain the advantage on the scoreboard. Despite the loss, the guys played solid on both sides of the ball. Stephino McCampbell had a good game defensively and so did Brayden Phillips who grabbed a crucial interception for the Broncos and also stepped in for injured quarterback Johnny Gaines.

Gaines injury is healing and he did see some playing time and Jack feels he’ll be 100 percent for next week’s game with Naz.

“Johnny adds a lot to our game and having him in the game helps to give us that extra momentum,” Jack said.

Also playing tough defense according to Jack was Bradley Watson, Chris Crump, Mike Crump, Tre Brown, Lee Tolbert, and Forrest Yelverton. The Crump boys had 17 tackles between them, and Chris also got a sack on the QB. Brown had six tackles and a sack and Lee Tolbert had a solid game according to Jack. Freshman Forrest Yelverton played the entire game both ways and made six tackles.

The Broncos will be preparing all week for their Bi-District game with Nazareth and Jack knows they will be ready to go.

“We’re ready for them,” Jack said. “It’s a new season for us, and this (the playoffs) is all that matters. It will be a battle for us, because they are big. We scrimmaged them earlier in the year, and it was pretty even. They will play hard, and we are going to gear up and get ready to go.”

Make plans to support the Broncos at Highland Park, Friday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. for the Broncos’ first playoff game with the Swifts.

Lady Broncos face River Road this weekend

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Lady Broncos face River Road this weekend
By Sandy Anderberg
The Lady Broncos honed their skills in their last scrimmage at White Deer last week in preparation for the upcoming season. Both varsity and junior varsity squads practiced in the game-like setting with favorable results.
“I thought we came ready to play and we looked good early,” coach Randy Yelverton said. “I thought we lost a little focus late, but regained it in the last game.”
For the most part, the ladies accomplished what they set out to gain from the scrimmage according to Yelverton.
“Overall I was pleased, but we do have some areas of concern that we need to address in practice and early games,” Yelverton said.
The Lady Broncos will take on River Road at home November 14 with the junior varsity beginning at 5:00 p.m., and the varsity at 6:30 p.m.
The ladies will travel to Tulia on Tuesday, November 17, and will be in Miami November 20.

The Lady Broncos honed their skills in their last scrimmage at White Deer last week in preparation for the upcoming season. Both varsity and junior varsity squads practiced in the game-like setting with favorable results.

“I thought we came ready to play and we looked good early,” coach Randy Yelverton said. “I thought we lost a little focus late, but regained it in the last game.”

For the most part, the ladies accomplished what they set out to gain from the scrimmage according to Yelverton.

“Overall I was pleased, but we do have some areas of concern that we need to address in practice and early games,” Yelverton said.

The Lady Broncos will take on River Road at home November 14 with the junior varsity beginning at 5:00 p.m., and the varsity at 6:30 p.m.

The ladies will travel to Tulia on Tuesday, November 17, and will be in Miami November 20.

Time wasted for president

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Roger Estlack
Roger Estlack

It’s not nice to take pleasure in someone’s failures, but I have to admit I laughed out loud when the International Olympic Committee picked Chicago as its least popular choice for the 2016 games.

I don’t harbor any ill will for Chicago itself. The Windy City is a fine location as far as places known for machine politics go. But what tickled me was the egg dripping off the face of President Barack Obama and that old wind bag, Oprah Winfrey.

Suffering from a bit of insomnia in the early morning hours last Friday, I found myself watching the coverage of Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics. It was painful to watch as they trotted out their perpetual mayor and the committee was subjected to political correctness and affirmative action at work. There was the white guy, the black woman, the person in the wheelchair, and some dude with a French accent, who was hailed for being the architect of Chicago’s Olympic bid. And, of course, we had to hear all about the first lady’s father’s health problems and her comparing that to the struggle of an Olympic athlete.

It was torturous to say the least, and I guess the OIC felt the same way. The only good thing that came of the presentation was that it cured my insomnia, and I soon drifted off into a nice, deep sleep.

Hopefully, the American president learned a valuable lesson from this. Don’t worry about your “star power.” Make some decisions about the War on Terror or study up on the benefits of free market capitalism. Focus on what’s important and show some leadership.

Our Heartfelt Thanks

Words cannot express the gratitude that we, the family of Helen Estlack feel for the people of Clarendon and Donley County who have been so loving and supportive of us in our time of sorrow.

Friendships are never held so dear as when the loss of a loved one reveals their truest meanings. Your many kindnesses have sustained us and blessed us in ways we will always cherish. Helen loved life and each of you. That so many have returned her love to us fills our hearts with comfort.

We would especially like to thank the professionals at Clarendon Family Medical Center and Sheppard’s Crook Home Health for caring for Helen during the summer and to the nurses, doctors, and technicians at Triumph Hospital and Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo for their tender care. Thanks also for the professional and caring service of Robertson Funeral Directors and to Rev. Terry Lowe, Judy Lowe, and the staff and members of the First United Methodist Church for everything you did and said to make things easier for us.

A special thanks to the Kidd and Nunley families who frequently watched and cared for Helen’s grandkids so her children could spend time with her.

We would also be remiss if we did not mention the friendship and dedication of Anndria Newhouse, Julie Shields, Ashlyn Tubbs, Kari Lindsey, and our many contributors, who kept this newspaper on a steady course during the last couple of months.

We wish we could name you all individually, but it has truly been overwhelming the depth and breadth of love and support that this community has shown us. Helen always believed that Donley County was the best place to live, and she worked to promote it every chance she got. Your actions – whether in the form of donations to memorial funds; gifts of plants, flowers, or food; or a simple kind word or remembrance – have justified everything she felt for the place that was her home. You have all been wonderful, and we thank you so much. May God enfold you with his blessing and loving care.

Roger, Ashlee, Benjamin, and Elaina Estlack
Russell, Scarlet, Nathan, and Daniel Estlack
Donna and Larry Hicks and family

CEDC awards to storefront grants

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CEDC President Stephen Hall presents a check to Todd Knorpp for facade improvements to his buildings.
CEDC President Stephen Hall presents a check to Todd Knorpp for facade improvements to his buildings.

Old fashioned hand-crank awnings are shading two properties on Kearney Street thanks to a project funded by the Clarendon Economic Development Corp.

The CEDC Board on Monday night awarded its seventh and eighth cash awards under its Façade Grant Program to Salon 306 and T&J Properties, Inc, for the restoration of the neighboring buildings’ antique crank-type canvas awnings.

Todd Knorpp, who owns properties at 306 S. Kearney and 308 S. Kearney, was reimbursed a total of $914.15 for work. He said the mechanisms for the awnings have been there for many years.

“Several people have tried to buy the mechanisms from me over the years, but I wanted to fix it back the way it was,” Knorpp said. “I can remember riding bicycles downtown and touching the canvass awnings. Mr. Hay (at Greene Dry Goods) didn’t like us doing that.”

Knorpp said he learned about the Façade Grant Program through articles in the Enterprise and seeing other improvements being done on Kearney Street.

“I think it’s a great idea, and I think the fronts downtown are looking good,” Knorpp said. “It definitely influenced my decision to do this.”

The buildings under this project, along with the Clarendon Insurance building, were built at the same time more than 85 years ago. Knorpp’s wife, Donna, operates Salon 306 at the 306 S. Kearney property, which for many years housed the local Post Office before it moved to its present location during the Kennedy administration. John Payne later had a clothing store in that location and opened it into the building at 308 S. Kearney. Tim Salem also had a clothing store there before Knorpp purchased the properties about 20 years ago.

Knorpp partners with Jim Shelton in the ownership of the 308 S. Kearney building, and they lease the building to Jimmy and Anita Simpson, who operate an antique store and upholstery business there.

Work on the salon totaled $878.68, and the project at the antique store cost $949.62. Knorpp says he is still looking to buy a hand crank to operate the awnings and also says he intends to do some painting to finish the project.

The CEDC has budgeted $10,000 for this fiscal year’s Façade Grant Program, which provides fifty-fifty matching grants up to a maximum of $2,000 per project for properties on a three-block stretch of Kearney Street.

Projects eligible for consideration could be anything from a coat of paint to new signage to a complete rehabilitation of a storefront. Those interested in the grants are asked to apply prior to beginning a project, and applications are available from CEDC Secretary Roger Estlack at The Clarendon Enterprise.

Since the Façade Grant Program began in 2008, the CEDC has awarded more than $6,414.15 to property owners who have improved the appearance of downtown Clarendon. Currently, one additional project – work on the Downtown Ministry Center – has been approved pending completion and fulfillment of CEDC requirements.

The CEDC Board will next meet to consider grant applications on Monday, December 7, at 5:15 p.m. in City Hall.

Lions Club celebrates 87th year

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The Clarendon Lions Club celebrated 87 years of service during its annual Charter Banquet last Tuesday night, and one of its members was recognized for 60 years of Lionism.
Lion Bill Lowe joined the club on June 12, 1949, at a time when the club at about 60 members he said.
“That grew to 150 members at one point,” Lowe recalled.
The Lions Club met for many years in the basement of the First Christian Church, Lowe said. But by the time he joined, the club had moved to its present building, which was one of three buildings that came from the POW camp in McLean.
The Lions were a rowdy bunch back in ’49, Lowe said, recalling the reputation the club had for biscuit throwing.
“It was kind of embarrassing,” Lowe said of the rowdiness. “A lot of men didn’t join the club because of the silliness that was going on.”
Lowe served as president of the club in 1964 and was allotted $400 to go to the international convention in Atlantic City.
“If I recall correctly, the plane ticket was $380, so I had $20 to spend when I got there,” Lowe said.
Also during last Tuesday’s banquet, Lion Velda Ross of Quitaque, discussed the highlights of her travels and experiences as the wife of Lion Jimmy Ross, who served as president of Lions International in 2006-2007. Ross presented her husband’s banners to Lion Lowe, Boss Lion Chuck Robertson, the club, and Past District Governor Bill Auvenshine.
Lauren Shelton was crowned by the Boss Lion as the 2009-2010 Lions Sweetheart.
Members and spouses attending the banquet were Lion Don Smith, Lion Bill Auvenshine, Lion Jimmy and Paula Johnson, Lion Larry and Karen Capranica, Lion Jerry and Nelda Woodard, Lion Delbert and Naomi Robertson, Lion Roger and Lion Ashlee Estlack, Lion Chuck and Lindsey Robertson, Lion Bill and Lynn Lowe, Lion Jim and Cindy Shelton, and Lion Bobbie and Sandy Thornberry.

The Clarendon Lions Club celebrated 87 years of service during its annual Charter Banquet last Tuesday night, and one of its members was recognized for 60 years of Lionism.

Lion Bill Lowe joined the club on June 12, 1949, at a time when the club at about 60 members he said.

“That grew to 150 members at one point,” Lowe recalled.

The Lions Club met for many years in the basement of the First Christian Church, Lowe said. But by the time he joined, the club had moved to its present building, which was one of three buildings that came from the POW camp in McLean.

The Lions were a rowdy bunch back in ’49, Lowe said, recalling the reputation the club had for biscuit throwing.

“It was kind of embarrassing,” Lowe said of the rowdiness. “A lot of men didn’t join the club because of the silliness that was going on.”

Lowe served as president of the club in 1964 and was allotted $400 to go to the international convention in Atlantic City.

“If I recall correctly, the plane ticket was $380, so I had $20 to spend when I got there,” Lowe said.

Also during last Tuesday’s banquet, Lion Velda Ross of Quitaque, discussed the highlights of her travels and experiences as the wife of Lion Jimmy Ross, who served as president of Lions International in 2006-2007. Ross presented her husband’s banners to Lion Lowe, Boss Lion Chuck Robertson, the club, and Past District Governor Bill Auvenshine.

Lauren Shelton was crowned by the Boss Lion as the 2009-2010 Lions Sweetheart.

Members and spouses attending the banquet were Lion Don Smith, Lion Bill Auvenshine, Lion Jimmy and Paula Johnson, Lion Larry and Karen Capranica, Lion Jerry and Nelda Woodard, Lion Delbert and Naomi Robertson, Lion Roger and Lion Ashlee Estlack, Lion Chuck and Lindsey Robertson, Lion Bill and Lynn Lowe, Lion Jim and Cindy Shelton, and Lion Bobbie and Sandy Thornberry.

Services will honor veterans

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Three services will be held in Donley County next week to honor the services of local veterans.
The first service will be a Veterans Day Candlelight Vigil at Clarendon College on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the Bairfield Activity Center.
Dr. John Howard, M.D., OIF Veteran will be the guest speaker.
This program will honor veterans of all wars, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.
The program is sponsored by the Clarendon College One Book One College Committee.
The second program will be held on Tuesday, November 10, at noon in the Bronco Gym and hosted by Clarendon Elementary.
Veterans will be recognized with a special message and presentation and will then be treated to a meal prepared by the Clarendon High School family and consumer sciences class.
The Adamson-Lane Post 287 of the American Legion in Hedley will hold the third service of the week at the Rowe Cemetery in Hedley on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, at 10 a.m.
The post members will place flags on the graves of 217 veterans buried in that cemetery. The flags will be left there through November 10 and 11 in honor of those departed comrades that have served this country.
The program will be conducted by the members of the American Legion. The Veteran’s Day address will be by Legion Commander Barry D. Schoenhal of Darrouzett. Barry is Past Commander of District 18 American Legion, and Past Adjutant of District 18, and now serves as Commander of Division 4 of the Texas American Legion.
The program will include the ceremony honoring those missing in action or still a prisoner of war. The program will conclude with the playing of Taps.
Hedley ISD will honor the veterans following the services with a meal and Veteran’s Day program.

Three services will be held in Donley County next week to honor the services of local veterans.

The first service will be a Veterans Day Candlelight Vigil at Clarendon College on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the Bairfield Activity Center.

Dr. John Howard, M.D., OIF Veteran will be the guest speaker.

This program will honor veterans of all wars, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

The program is sponsored by the Clarendon College One Book One College Committee.

The second program will be held on Tuesday, November 10, at noon in the Bronco Gym and hosted by Clarendon Elementary.

Veterans will be recognized with a special message and presentation and will then be treated to a meal prepared by the Clarendon High School family and consumer sciences class.

The Adamson-Lane Post 287 of the American Legion in Hedley will hold the third service of the week at the Rowe Cemetery in Hedley on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, at 10 a.m.

The post members will place flags on the graves of 217 veterans buried in that cemetery. The flags will be left there through November 10 and 11 in honor of those departed comrades that have served this country.

The program will be conducted by the members of the American Legion. The Veteran’s Day address will be by Legion Commander Barry D. Schoenhal of Darrouzett. Barry is Past Commander of District 18 American Legion, and Past Adjutant of District 18, and now serves as Commander of Division 4 of the Texas American Legion.

The program will include the ceremony honoring those missing in action or still a prisoner of war. The program will conclude with the playing of Taps.

Hedley ISD will honor the veterans following the services with a meal and Veteran’s Day program.

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