Archives for September 2012

CC enrollment slips but growth projected

September 19, 2012 by Roger Estlack Leave a Comment

Enrollment is down for the fall semester at Clarendon College, but CC officials say they are already making plans to address changing student demographics for the spring semester.

Following the 12th day of class last Thursday, CC’s enrollment was at 1,253, down 6.4 percent or 95 students compared to the fall 2011 semester.

The semester credit hours, or the total number of hours students enroll in, however, are up from 13,107 to 13,118. This increase in credit hours shows while the college may have fewer students those who are taking courses are enrolled in a greater number of hours.

The college is also down by 3.6 percent in the number of contact hours this semester – a figure that determines CC’s state funding.

CC President Phil Shirley said that decline is due in part to the cessation of the wind energy technical program in Childress and having fewer nursing students this semester, but he expects contact hours to rebound with the start of a new cosmetology program in Childress within a few weeks. He also says the college hopes to resume teaching classes in state prisons, which will boost spring enrollment.

In addition, the college is seeing a shift in the age of students enrolled this fall when compared to last fall, according to Shirley.

“In studying the statistics from our fall enrollment, it appears our 20-29 year-old age group has dropped off dramatically,” the president said. “In addition, the 30-39 year-old age group has also taken a substantial dip.”

Shirley says he sees three factors contributing to the shift in student demographics, starting with the economy.

“More people are seeking jobs and endeavoring to make a living in these economic times,” he said. “Secondly, perhaps we need to offer more courses in the evenings to attract the adult student; and thirdly, we may need to offer a different set of courses including more technical training and life skills kinds of curricula.”

“Whatever the reason for this dramatic drop in the 20-39 year-old group, we are determined and hopeful to find a solution to their educational needs and see them return in the spring,” Shirley said. “For the difficult economic times through which we are living, we feel very fortunate to be in this position. I’m excited about this fall and feel nothing but optimism for the spring semester.”

Enrollment by location is a follows: Clarendon 356, Pampa 359, Childress 47, Distance Learning 86, and Dual Credit 405.

18th Chuckwagon Cookoff to be held Saturday

September 19, 2012 by Roger Estlack Leave a Comment

A bigger than usual crowd is expected this weekend when the 18th annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff is held on the grounds of the Saints’ Roost Museum.

Eighteen wagons – the most in several years – are scheduled to compete for top prizes, and other activities include hosting a meeting of the American Chuck Wagon Association.

Several wagons will arrive early to host students from Clarendon, Hedley, and area schools for a day of learning about the chuckwagon and cooking the cowboy-way over an open fire.

Friday afternoon will also include the junior cookoff, which pairs kids, ages 8-17, with mentors on participating wagon teams to learn the ropes of cooking over an open fire. Junior cooks will be preparing a dish for Friday’s Chuckwagon cooks’ dinner. The recipe will be left to the discretion of the cooks and their mentors, and prizes will be given to the first, second, and third place winners that night.

The big day for the cookoff will be Saturday when the ten wagons square off to battle for top prizes.

The tradeshow starts at 10 a.m., and museum tours by the CHS Junior Historians will be available throughout the day. Local and area entertainers will also be performing.

The authentic wagons will serve at 1 p.m. with the traditional chicken fried steak dinner, and other activities include raffles for a pair of Kevin Johnson Handmade Spurs and a hay auction.

Admission is free. Tickets for the authentic Chuckwagon meal are $15 each and can be purchased in advance at Every Nook & Cranny or Donley County State Bank or by calling (806)874-3581.

Opinion: Clarendon College – the Pearl of the Panhandle

September 19, 2012 by Roger Estlack Leave a Comment

Now that another fall semester has commenced at Clarendon College, it seems to be a good time to consider the enormous contributions that Clarendon College makes to Clarendon, Donley County, and the Texas Panhandle. Although Clarendon College is known as “The Athens of the Panhandle” it is also a gem of enormous value to our fair community.

As far back as I can remember Clarendon College has sat atop its hill, serving as a beacon to higher aspirations and the acquisition of knowledge. I’ve always thought the campus looked magnificent, especially at night.

My late mother attended Clarendon College long ago, and was always proud of the formal education that she was able to acquire, an education that allowed her sustain herself in her later years. She used the educational training she acquired at Clarendon College to serve the people of Donley County when she was the County Treasurer in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

I’m not sure that we fully appreciate the jewel that lies hidden in plain sight up on the hill. Clarendon College contributes at least $75,000,000 (seventy-five million dollars) to our area, which includes campuses in Pampa and Childress.

In addition to its fine academic programs, Clarendon College also provides our citizens with opportunities to attend plays and other artistic programs. The men’s and women’s athletic teams afford us the chance to see international student athletes compete at the highest levels of competition, providing us with a wide variety of entertainment options.

The Clarendon College Stampede, a NIRA College Rodeo, will be held for the first time in Clarendon this coming October 25, 26, and 27. Student athletes from a wide geographical area will travel to Clarendon to compete in competitions that include: bull riding, barrel racing, saddlebronc riding, along with several other events.

Academically, Clarendon College offers excellent educational opportunities to national and international students. Students benefit from higher personal income, improved health, healthier lifestyle habits, an increased ability to think critically, and the ability to make better life decisions. Society benefits from savings associated with reduced welfare and unemployment, improved health, and reduced crime.

Community colleges like Clarendon College promote economic development by increasing consumer spending and raising the skill level of the labor force. This in turn leads to more jobs, increased business efficiency, greater availability of public investment funds, and eased tax burdens.

The city of Clarendon, Donley County, and the Panhandle area have received enormous benefits from Clarendon College since 1898. The college is an economic engine that will give us an important edge. Combined with our strong ranching and farming industry, supportive banks, vital small businesses, an excellent newspaper, and a creative populace, we should prosper long into the future.

Let’s not forget the many benefits offered by Clarendon College and do all we can to support our fine institution, the pearl of the Panhandle.

Letter: ‘Addition’ vandalizes City Hall

September 19, 2012 by Roger Estlack Leave a Comment

While driving through Clarendon on my way to grab a bite to eat downtown, I just happened to look over at City Hall only to be appalled at what appeared to be a very rude structure attached to the southeast corner of the building. I quickly doubled back and parked and walked up and looked at this new addition to the front of our used-to-be-decent looking City Hall.

WEB city hall 2012 — City Hall with a sheetmetal box containing a wheelchair lift.

At this point, I should explain that what I am looking at is a cover for a wheelchair lift that is supposed to be used to give handicapped persons access to the upper floor of City Hall in the event that a City Hall meeting overcrowds the downstairs meeting area they may access the larger rooms upstairs.

Over the past several years, the City of Clarendon has done a good job of maintaining City Hall. It’s had a nice coat of paint, and David Pitts and Jeannie Molder worked together to secure an energy grant which replaced the old windows in the upstairs and also put in central heat and air. City Hall downstairs has been remodeled and looks nice. All these things added to improving the looks of City Hall without taking away from her old beauty.

I encourage every taxpaying person in Clarendon to drive by and look at this eyesore that has attached itself to City Hall and tell me truthfully that it does completely take away from the look of the building. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not against making it possible for a person in a wheelchair to gain access to the upstairs, but I am strongly against a very old historic building (1918) being vandalized. There are ways to get things done and get them done economically, but this is not the way that this needs to be done.

Jeremy Powell

Owls unsheathe talons on Tigers

September 19, 2012 by Roger Estlack Leave a Comment

The Hedley Owls traveled to McLean last Friday night and beat the Tigers 54 – 8, ending the game early due to the 45 point rule.

After Hedley kicker Diego Souza used his howitzer-like leg to drive the opening kick-off through the end zone, as he did all night long, McLean took possession of the ball on their 20 yard line and were held to three yards on three downs. On fourth and 11, Coltin Kingston intercepted the McLean quarterback’s pass and returned it to the Tigers’ 11 yard line. Hedley was unable to advance the ball and turned the ball over to McLean on downs.

WEB pic hisd owls IMG_2693 lindsey — Hedley's Kyle Lindsey runs one across the goal line against McLean.

The Owls started slowly, scoring their first touchdown with 41 seconds remaining in the first quarter, after exchanging two possessions with the Tigers. After driving from the Hedley 38 to the McLean 25, Nicco Bennett took a pitch from quarterback Brian Evans and sprinted around the right end for 25 yards and a touchdown. The PAT failed and Hedley led the game 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Following another booming kickoff by Diego Souza, McLean took possession at their 20 yard line. After Nicco Bennett broke up a McLean pass on fourth and five, Hedley took over the ball and Coltin Kingston immediately hit Nicco Bennett for a 31 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good, and Hedley led 14-0.

McLean finally got on the board with their only touchdown of the game on their next possession, driving 70 yards for a touchdown. After the PAT was good, the Owls’ defense unsheathed their talons and stuffed the Tigers for the rest of the game.

On the first Owls’ possession of the third quarter, senior running back Coltin Kingston broke off several long runs before sprinting around the left side of the line for a four yard touchdown jaunt. The PAT was good and the Owls sported a 22-8 lead.

Later in the third quarter, Kingston hit fullback Seth Ruthardt in the right end zone with a 13 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was blocked, and Hedley extended its lead to 28-8, with 3:46 left in the third quarter.

Hedley’s defense again rose up and stopped McLean on downs at the McLean ten yard line. On the first play of the possession Coltin Kingston raced around the right side for a ten yard touchdown. The PAT missed and Hedley led 34-8 with 1:44 remaining in the third quarter.

The Owls then surprised the Tigers with a successful onside kick at the McLean 32. Three plays later, Kingston again sprinted around the right side for another touchdown run of 16 yards. The PAT was no good, and the Owls led 40-8, with 1:24 left in the third quarter.

On their first possession of the fourth quarter, the Owls added another touchdown drive, scoring when quarterback Bryan Evans hit junior lineman Kyle Lindsey with a long scoring pass on the third play of the drive. Andy Aizaga added the PAT, and the Owls extended their lead to 48-8. After trading possessions, Hedley got the ball again with 3:06 remaining in the game. On the third play of the drive freshman running back Klaiton Moore threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to freshman end Clay King, who sprinted into the end zone for the final score.

After the game senior Coltin Kingston, who rushed for 141 yards, said, “This (win) feels great, we should have won the first two games, and it feels great to get our first win.” Head coach Darrell Wallace added, “I’m pleased with the strong effort of the offense and improved fundamentals of the team. We have focused on playing four strong quarters and it was good to see four quarters of good effort. Coltin Kingston and Tanner Chambless led a strong effort by the entire team.”

The only negative in the game was a second half knee injury (possible torn meniscus) to senior end Nicco Bennett. At press time, Nicco had undergone an MRI and the results were not yet available.

Prior to this Friday’s (September 21) home opener against Hart, the Hall County-Donley County Farm Bureau will sponsor a tailgate party from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sloppy Joes and drinks will be served at no charge. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out for the tailgate party and then enjoy another entertaining game by the Hedley Owls. They are, after all, the real deal.

By Fred Gray, Clarendon Enterprise

Broncos corral Mustangs

September 19, 2012 by Roger Estlack Leave a Comment

The Broncos came up big in the second half of play against the Wheeler MustangsFriday night and defeated them, 36-27.

The Broncos made a great showing in the second half in their come-from-behind win to go 2-1 on the season. The Broncos racked up 370 total yards with only one turnover.

Several Broncos stepped up their game and put great numbers on the board. Quarterback Chance McAnear, who threw for 278 yards, was part of five touchdowns, throwing four and running one in for six more. Clarendon’s receivers were spot-on and Diego Santos lit up the night for the Broncos catching six passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns. Great catches were also made by Jonah Sell (one touchdown), Tyler Burch, and Trevor Cobb.

“Our offensive line gave Chance great protection,” head coach Gary Jack said. “And he put it on the money every time.”

The Broncos had to play catch-up in the second half after trailing by a touchdown at the break. Clarendon was able to put up a very impressive thirty points in the second half.

“It is tough to play at Wheeler,” Jack said. “It was a pretty physical, old-fashioned game. But we’re getting there and we’re still working on the little things.” Jack gave credit to several players in the game.

“Corey Barker, Jonah Sell, John Pigg, Tres Hommel, Diego Santos, Trevor Cobb, and Chance McAnear really played well. And our line did a great job blocking, John, Tres, Austen McNelly, Rowdy Speed, Adam Topper, and David Johnston.”

The Broncos will have a tough game against Gruver next Friday night for Homecoming.

“Our defense is a little banged up so we hope to be healthy with enough people with experience to play hard against a good Gruver team.” The Homecoming game will begin at 7:30 pm in Bronco Stadium Friday, September 21.

By Sandy Anderberg, Clarendon Enterprise

Edes pleads guilty of Injury to a Child

September 17, 2012 by Roger Estlack 1 Comment

A Clarendon woman pled guilty today to a felony charge related to the 2011 death of her grandson, Chance Mark Jones.

Gayle Edes will serve 90 days in the Donley County Jail, and a ten-year state jail sentence was probated as a condition of her plea agreement. If she had been found guilty by a jury, Edes could have faced up to 99 years or life in prison.

In January, Donley County Grand Jury indicted Edes for the first degree felony of Injury to a Child by Omission, and court records alleged that on January 3, 2011, the accused intentionally or knowingly, by omission, caused serious bodily injury to four-year-old Chance Mark Jones by her failure to get medical attention for the boy and that she had assumed care, custody, or control of the child at that time.

Edes son, Robert Babcock, had custody of Jones for just a few weeks before, according to local authorities, he began abusing the boy on December 24, 2010, and continued abusing him until January 4, 2011. On that date, Babcock called emergency personnel to his residence near Clarendon where they found Jones unresponsive.

The boy died the next morning at Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo. An autopsy conducted the next day revealed that the boy died from blunt force trauma to the head and that he also suffered internal injuries from trauma to the torso. Investigators at the time called the case the worse they had ever worked.

In June, a Hall County Jury found Babcock guilty of capital murder, and he is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The state held that Edes knew what was happening to the boy and did not get him medical attention.

Once her jail sentence is served, the court has permitted Edes to serve her probation in Potter or Randall County due to her need for medical care.