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Archives for April 2012

Bulldogs sweep New Mexico Military Institute

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By Fred Gray

The Clarendon College men’s baseball team, behind excellent pitching and thunderous bats, swept a four-game home stand last Friday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7.

In the first game, lefty Sam Ouellet got the win, pitching a complete game that was called early due to the ten-run rule. The Bulldogs dominated the game, winning 17 to 5, behind the strong pitching of Ouellet and unrelenting Bulldog bats.

In Friday’s second game, the Bulldogs won a nine-inning contest, 10 to 4, behind winning right-hand pitcher Jacob Gosselin-Deschesnes. Jacob Orem, the big right-handed relief pitcher from Oklahoma City came on in the seventh inning for the save. Once again, the Bulldog bats thundered in support of excellent pitching. These guys can hit!

Saturday’s games were played in gale-force winds that skipper Chris Joblin pleasantly called “baseball weather.” While Friday’s games were played in benign conditions, with a slight breeze from the south, Saturday’s hitters had to fight a mean wind from the north. Fly balls were an adventure, diving into the ground wounded-duck-like, and taking hard-right turns.

In the third game of the home stand, the Bulldogs eked-out a hard-fought 6 to 4 victory. Bulldog right-handed pitcher, Jorge Perez, pitched another complete game. The native of Jamaica, New York, pitched a steady, consistent game in extraordinarily poor conditions.

The Bulldog’s skipper wryly commented that even though it was “a tough day to play,” they pitched an excellent game. Joblin was pleased with his team’s efforts and was pleased that they hit the ball hard all day long. I’ve never watched them when they didn’t hit the ball hard. This team habitually knocks the cover off the ball, a la “The Natural,” with Robert Redford, one of the greatest baseball movies ever.

In the final game of the series, Bulldog ace left-handed pitcher, Scott Cone pitched nine-inning gem, shutting out the New Mexico Military Institute. It was a fitting end to an excellent weekend of exciting baseball.

The Bulldogs leave for a six-game road trip before returning home against Seward County Community College, Wednesday, April 18. They will close out the 2012 regular season with four games against Odessa College on April 4 and 5.

Lady Broncos capture gold and silver in relays

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Bronco sprinted to a big district win in the sprint relay in the District meet at Wellington April 3-4.

Glory Bryley, Sarah Luttrell, Marqueda Gaines, and Amber Keelin’s time of 52.12 bested the field by seven tenths of a second. That same group also ran the 800-meter relay and finished second behind Wellington with a time of 1:52.47. They will be advancing to the Area meet in Abernathy April 11. The Lady Broncos finished the meet in third place with 98 points behind New Deal and Wellington.

In addition to the 400 and 800 relays, Luttrell will be advancing in the 100-meter dash. Abby Johnson and Samantha Sanderson earned a trip to the Regional meet in the 400-meter dash, and Audrey Shelton was third in both the 1600 and 3200-meter races. Trevela Dronzek was fourth in the 3200. Jentry Shadle will advance in the 100-meter hurdles, and Amanda Powell will move on in the 300-meter hurdles. Caitlyn Nowlin will throw in the shot put and discus with fourth place finishes.

Individual results: 100-meter dash: Luttrell 3rd 13.12, G. Bryley 6th 13.64; 200-meter dash: Johnson 6th 28.91; 400-meter dash: Johnson 2nd 1:0538, Sanderson 4th 1:08.50; 1600-meter run: Shelton 4th 5:511.92; 3200-meter: Shelton 3rd 12:36.13, Dronzek 4th 13:37.00; 100-meter hurdles: Shadle 2nd 16.55, Powell 5th 17.47; 300-meter hurdles: Powell 3rd 51.42; shot put: Nowlin 4th 30’3¾”; discus: Nowlin 4th 92’1″, McKayla Cartwright 6th 90’6″.

The Lady Bronco junior varsity also participated in the District meet and finished second as a team behind New Deal with 148 points. The 400-meter relay took first place with a time of 57.63 and was run by Anna Ceniceros, Haley Ferguson, Lydia Howard, and Phara Berry. The 800-meter relay grabbed the gold as well with a time of 2:04.16 and was run by Deborah Howard, Ryann Starnes, Taylor Gaines, and Elizabeth O’Rear. O’Rear also won the 100-meter dash and long jump, placed second in the 200-meter dash. D. Howard won the 400-meter dash and the triple jump.

Individual results: 100-meter: O’Rear 1st 14.09, Lynzee Bryley 2nd 14.39; 200-meter: O’Rear 2nd 30.06, Starnes 4th 30.87; 400-meter dash: D. Howard 1st 1:12.74, Berry 4th1:16.68; 1600-meter run: Jessica Ceniceros 3rd 7:05.02; 100-meter hurdles: Emberli Holland 2nd 19.09; 300-meter hurdles: Holland 4th 1:00.67, Berry 5th 1:01.83; long jump: O’Rear 1st 13’11½”, Taylor Gaines 2nd 13’9″, Berry 3rd 13’3¼”; shot put: Ceniceros 3rd 25’5″; discus: Ceniceros 5th 65’7″; triple jump: D. Howard 1st 30’.

Local business owners return from ‘Destination Bootcamp’

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Clarendon’s Bill and Deanna Cornell, owners of Cornell’s Country Store, returned recently from a Colorado-based business improvement “Destination BootCamp”, where they learned hundreds of new methods to bring more customers and tourists to Clarendon’s own Cornell’s Country Store. The Cornells were among a group of business owners from across North America who attended the two and one-half day, 20-hour workshop.

Cornell’s Country Store is the first Western Wear store in the Texas Panhandle to ever attend the Destination BootCamp.

Cornell’s Country Store and www.CornellsCountryStore.com cater to the fashion forward who are looking for a great selection of contemporary and authentic Western wear, boots, and accessories. They place an emphasis on an enjoyable shopping experience and excellent customer service.

The two and one-half day “Destination BootCamp”, created by marketing consultant Jon Schallert, teaches independent business owners on how to reposition their businesses as “consumer destinations”. According to Schallert, a business using his “Destination Business” strategies can compete effectively with the superstores and significantly impact a local community. According to Schallert, it is not uncommon for destination businesses to create change in an entire city, by drawing consumers from miles around, from outside the immediate marketplace of a community.

“With the principles we learned at the BootCamp, we will be able to satisfy more of our customers’ needs and make purchasing Western wear and boots a much more enjoyable, fun experience. Additionally, we will be attracting more visitors and tourists from outside Clarendon,” says Cornell. “With what we’ve learned, there’s no reason we can’t attract contemporary Western shoppers from miles away.”

Cornell Feed began in 1999 behind C.W. Cornell’s service station in a small garage building only selling Purina feed at the time. In 2000, Cornell was approached by Purina and asked to consider enlarging the business substantially. Property was appropriated and a new 6,000 square foot metal building was erected. The new store, renamed Cornell’s Country Store opened at 903 E Hwy 287 in November 2001.

Schallert’s Destination Business BootCamp is held in Colorado three times annually. Schallert has worked with independent business owners since 1983, speaks to thousands every year, and is the President of The Schallert Group., Inc., Longmont, Colorado. One newspaper called Schallert “the marketing guru rooting for the retail underdogs”. Business owners interested in attending may contact Bill or Deanna Cornell at 806 874 6773 and get more information on their BootCamp experience, or one can visit Schallert’s website at www.DestinationBootCamp.com.

Two local men take plea deals

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Two local men were among the defendants when the district court met in Clarendon on Monday, April 9, and heard five pleas resulting in one conviction and four deferred adjudications.

District Attorney Luke Inman, assisted by Greg Buckley, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding. A total of $6,500in fines was assessed as a result of the pleas that took place on April 9. In addition to the fines, the defendants were required to pay a total of $1,969 in court costs and $121,185.90 restitution.

Chad Michael Sanchez was placed on probation for a period of two years for the state jail felony offense of theft of brass. Sanchez pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Sanchez, a 23-year-old resident of Clarendon, was arrested in Donley County for the offense that took place December 15, 2011 and pleaded guilty to a complaint and information filed by the State on April 5, 2012.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Sanchez is required to pay a $1,500 fine to Donley County, $473 in court costs, $522.95 restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Sanchez violates probation, he could face up to two years in the State Jail Division of TDCJ.

Rowdy Joe Floyd was placed on probation for a period of two years for the state jail felony offense of theft of brass. Floyd pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Floyd, 21-year-old resident of Clarendon was arrested in Donley County for the offense that took place December 15, 2011 and pleaded guilty to a complaint and information filed by the State on April 5, 2012.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Floyd is required to pay a $1,500 fine to Donley County, $473 in court costs, $522.95 restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Floyd violates probation, he could face up to two years in the State Jail Division of TDCJ.

Stephanie Gale Davis was placed on probation for a period of ten years for the first degree felony offense of theft, in aggregated amounts. Davis pleaded guilty for the offense that took place on June 15, 2010, and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Davis, 43-year-old resident of White Deer, was indicted by a Carson County Grand Jury on March 1, 2012.

The indictment occurred after a year-long investigation by Chief Deputy Loren Brand with the Carson County Sheriff’s Office.

“The theft by Davis, an entrusted employee of the victim, occurred over an extended time period, which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact amount,” said Inman. “This lengthy and in-depth investigation resulted in a plea today to make the victim as whole as possible, and also subjects Davis to life in prison if she violates probation.”

There is evidence that the theft began as far back as 1999, according to Inman.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Davis is required to pay a fine of $500 to Carson County, $120,000 restitution, $271 in court costs, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Davis violates probation, she could face up to 99 years in the Intuitional Division of TDCJ.

Santos Pina Martinez was placed on probation for a period of three years for the state jail felony offense of burglary of a building. Martinez pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Martinez, 40-year-old resident of Wellington was arrested in Collingsworth County for the offense that took place December 20, 2011 and pleaded guilty to a complaint and information filed by the State on April 5, 2012.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Martinez is required to pay a $1,500 fine to Collingsworth County, $376 in court costs, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Martinez violates probation, he could face up to two years in the State Jail Division of TDCJ.

Beverly Kate Jara (a.k.a. Beverly Seehorn) was convicted of the State Jail felony offense of driving while intoxicated with a child passenger. Jara was convicted and sentenced to two years in the State Jail Division of TDCJ but the sentence was probated for a period of two years.

Jara, 43-year-old resident of Garland, TX was arrested by Hall County Sheriff Deputy, Jared Johnson for the offense that took place November 23, 2011 in Hall County. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Jara was required to pay $376 in court costs, $140 restitution, a fine of $1,500 to Hall County, must successfully complete 100 hours of community service, and all DWI requirements under Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code.

CC Lady Bulldogs take 3 of 4 from El Paso

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By Fred Gray

Behind the stellar pitching of Karen Mao and hot bats, the Lady Bulldogs won three straight games against the El Paso Community College Tejanos this past Thursday and Friday, April 5 and 6. El Paso Community College was finally able to prevail in the last game of the series.

Southern Californian Karen Mao pitched the Lady Bulldogs to two of their three victories, dominating the first game 9-0, in a game that was called after five innings, due to the eight-run rule.

While Karen was pitching a shut-out, the Lady Bulldogs’ bats plated five runs in the third inning and added four runs in the bottom of the fourth.

In the second game of the home stand, Kenzie Scifres pitched the Lady Bulldogs to a come-from-behind 5-3 victory.

Going into the seventh inning, CC was behind 3 to 1. Amanda Salvado and Jasmine Aguliar led off the bottom of the seventh with walks; and after an El Paso pitching change, Karen Mao was hit by a pitch, loading the bases with no outs. Kish Suniga then hit a sharp ground ball to third base. Two runs scored when the Tejanos’ third baseman threw the ball away in a play to home.

Nohemi Jimenez drove in the two winning runs with a double to center.

In Friday’s first game, Karen Mao once again pitched the Lady Bulldogs to victory. After being down 3 to 1 after three innings, CC rallied to win the game 5-4.

El Paso finally tasted victory in the last game of the home stand, beating the Lady Bulldogs 2-0.

Their next four home games will be against Howard College on Friday, April 13, at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., and on Saturday, April 14, at 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs are currently in third place in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference.

Local men arrested for making threats

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Two Clarendon men are out on bond this week facing charges of terroristic threats.

Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn said Jeremy Blake Jeffers, age 23, and Joshua D. Harrison, age 28, were arrested last Thursday evening, March 29, on Class B Misdemeanor charges.

Blackburn said Jeffers allegedly made public threats to kill peace officers, and Harrison is accused of making threats about burning county buildings.

Both men were arraigned the next day by County Judge Jack Hall and were later released on bond of $1,500 each.

Step up for kids

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“He has gone to be an angel secure in our Father’s care, and his dear little feet now patter along the beautiful streets up there.” Those words grace the bottom of a boot belonging to four-year-old Chance Mark Jones, who died last January as the result of a beating he took from his father. Shown here is Cindy Shelton hanging Chance’s boot as one of 231 shoes that are now suspended above the steps of Clarendon City Hall as part of the Donley County Child Welfare Board’s awareness efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Each shoe represents a child in Texas who died from abuse in 2011. Jones’ father, Robert Babcock, remains in the Donley County Jail awaiting trial. Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

Editorial: County should deny request for monument

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The Donley County Commissioners’ Court next week will consider a request to place a marker commemorating the Ten Commandments on the lawn of the 1890 Courthouse, but it is a proposal the court should respectfully decline as improper, unnecessary, and inappropriate.

Roger Estlack, Editor

The court was approached about this during its last meeting on March 12, but it correctly took no action at that time because two members of the court were absent. A group describing themselves as “Citizens of Donley County” made the request and stated in a letter to the court that “our history is being lost to the younger generations,” and the purpose of the monument is to “honor the influence of the Bible and the Christian faith has had on our nation and our county.”

One of the citizens making the request told the Enterprise that the monument in question is not a “Ten Commandments” monument but that it is rather a “historical marker.” This point of semantics is designed to preempt any possible legal challenge to the monument, but it seems obvious from the information presented to the county that the desire to place such a monument is driven by religious and possibly political motives rather than a desire to teach history. The photographs of sample monuments from other courthouses show what appears to be a dishwasher size piece of granite with the Ten Commandments prominently inscribed with several faith-based quotes from American historical figures on the sides. The supporter told the Enterprise that the local monument would also reflect the history of the county.

Certainly many of America’s ideals have come under attack in recent decades, and this column appreciates the “here’s mud in your eye” attitude towards the left that the backers of this monument seem to possess. Still, we do live in a litigious society and commissioners are sure to be mindful of this fact. Despite assurances that backers have secured the promise of legal representation if a court challenge is mounted, it is ultimately the county that will be responsible.

But this column’s objections to the marker are not about legality. Just because something is determined to be legal doesn’t mean it is right, and there are several reasons to object to this proposal.

First, allowing such a monument would be improper. During the restoration of the 1890 Courthouse in 2003, architects and state preservationists expressed concern that the Courthouse Square was somewhat crowded with markers, monuments, and buildings. This was brought up in 2007 when Sara SoRelle brought a proposal to the Commissioners’ Court to erect a memorial to her late mother, Dr. Zell SoRelle, for her contributions as a preservationist and civic leader in Donley County. Commissioners not only unanimously rejected SoRelle’s proposal, but they also prohibited any future commemorative markers from being placed on the Courthouse lawn. Later, the county took this a step further by actually removing a marker dedicated to pioneer rancher and philanthropist Cornelia Adair and relocated it to the Saints’ Roost Museum. Allowing a Ten Commandments marker would be improper, therefore, because it would go contrary the Commissioners’ earlier action and open the door to future requests. What would be next?

Second, the monument is unnecessary. There can be no denial of the influence that Christianity had on the settlement and development of this county. But that influence has already been recognized on the Courthouse Square. The county’s Centennial Marker erected in 1982 shows four elements as the foundations for this county – Ranching, Farming, Education, and Churches – and includes a representation of the Christian cross. The role of religion on the development of this county can be found on Texas Historical Markers throughout town at local churches and even in front of the office for this newspaper, in the visitor guide for our community, and even with the halo on our official city logo. Our history is not being lost in Donley County. It is already well documented, memorialized, and stated without having an unnecessary dishwasher size Ten Commandments marker on the Courthouse lawn.

Finally, the location of the proposed monument is inappropriate. Given prominent role of religion in the development of this county, isn’t it somewhat surprising that the Ten Commandments were not included in the design of the courthouse when it was built in 1890? Our county forefathers were men of faith, but perhaps they felt that the Commandments belonged at the church house instead of the courthouse. There must, therefore, be a better place to do this. Putting the monument on grounds of the Methodist Church, for example, would be adjacent to the Courthouse Square and would be a far more appropriate location to discuss the influence of religion on this county. If backers desire a non-denominational location for their “historical marker” and truly desire to teach people about Christianity’s influence in Donley County, then choose a location on the highway and create an attractive grand memorial telling the story of Saints’ Roost and all the many historic churches and religious institutions and the influence of faith in our community. Do something truly impressive that will become an attraction for our community like the cross is at Groom.

Commissioners are in a difficult spot. Turning down this request will likely result in citizens’ unfairly questioning their personal faith or values. But these men aren’t elected to just make the easy decisions. They are put in office to do what is right even when it is unpopular, and in this case it is right to say, “No, thank you.”

Lady Bulldogs drop two games

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By Fred Gray

The Lady Bulldogs dropped a double header to Luna Community College, at home last Wednesday, March 28.

Lady Bulldog Nohemi Jimenez (Hemi) from Dumas bats at the game against Luna Community College. Enterprise Photo / Morgan Wheatly

The first game was a heart-breaker, when Luna scored two seventh inning runs to beat the Lady Bulldogs 5-3. Lady Bulldogs pitcher, Karen Mao, pitched very well, allowing three runs before the fateful seventh, when two runs scored off a two out fly ball to center field, which bounced out of the centerfielders glove.

In the bottom of the seventh, Jessica Jasmine Aguliar led off with a walk and promptly stole second base. She was stranded at third base when the next two hitters hit long fly balls for out. The final out came when the last hitter, Shelbie Watson, hit a sharp grounder to short, and was called out in a bang-bang play at first.

In the second game, the Lady Bulldogs lost a close 5-4 game. They were unable to overcome a four – two first inning deficit. The Lady Bulldogs pulled to within one run when they plated a run in the bottom of the third.

Both teams exchanged runs in the sixth inning, resulting in the 5-4 victory by Luna Community College.

On Friday, March 30, the Lady Bulldogs travelled to La Junta, Colo., where they split a double with Otero Community College. They lost the first game four runs to one, and won a slug-fest in the second game, winning 15 – 14.

The Lady Bulldogs then travelled to Lamar, Colo., for a double header the following day, Saturday, March 31. They lost both games, 6 -4 and 5-2.

The Lady Bulldogs return home this Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, for a four game home stand against El Paso Community College. Friday, April 5, play begins at 1:00 p.m. Saturday’s games begin at 11:00 a.m.

The Lady Bulldogs are very entertaining to watch and everyone is encouraged to come out and watch some extraordinary female athletes play ball. It is time well spent.

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The 2012 Alumni softball team played against the Lady Broncos March 31st. The Lady Broncos won the game 12-4. (back) Caitlyn Christopher, Brandi Mays, Sade Cobb, Emily Clark, Coach Jack, Abby Patten, Elissa Holland, Morgan Wheatly, Miranda Miller, (front) Danielle Ford, Macy Shadle, Jenci White, Janae White, Erin Moore. Courtesy Photo / Sade Cobb

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