Archives for January 2013
Hedley man gets life for child sex assault
WELLINGTON – On Thursday, January 17, a Collingsworth County jury found 42-year-old Bryan Keith Price guilty of the first degree felony offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child, under the age of fourteen.
At the conclusion of the three-day jury trial, the jury sentenced Price to life in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Luke Inman, the District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District, prosecuted the case for the State of Texas with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding.
Price, a Hedley resident, was arrested by the Donley County Sheriff’s Department on April 25, 2012. Price was later indicted by a Collingsworth County Grand Jury on June 27, 2012 for the first degree offense.
During the State’s case in chief, the State called seven witnesses.
Testimony was provided by the victim to the present offense, Childress Independent School District Counselor Sherry Davis, Childress County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Danny Gillem, Donley County Sheriff Charles “Butch” Blackburn, Collingsworth County Deputy Kent Riley, Ian Diaz with the Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, and Becky O’Neal, the coordinator for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at Norwest Texas Hospital.
“The jury heard testimony from a child that had to endure some of the most unimaginable things from her biological father,” said Inman. “That testimony was key in convicting this defendant which resulted in the life sentence he received from that jury.”
On Thursday morning, the jury convicted the defendant guilty of the first degree felony offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child, after a short deliberation.
The State called three witnesses during the punishment phase of the trial. Testimony from Gillem established that Price had been previously convicted of Indecency with a Child in 2001. The victim from that previous offense also testified and provided insight on how Price’s actions have affected her life ever since the incident.
Blackburn concluded the State’s evidence where he requested the maximum punishment allowed by law against Price.
After the close of evidence, the jury sentenced Price to life imprisonment.
Texas Penal Code § 12.42(c)(2) provides for a life sentence for the aggravated sexual assault of a child if a defendant has been previously convicted of a number of different offenses, including indecency with a child.
“These cases are always difficult for the victims and we appreciate this young victim’s cooperation that allowed us to go forward with this very emotional jury trial,” Inman said.
After the sentence by Messer, allocution statements were provided by both the victim’s mother and the victim, which was read by Hattie Sanderson, the crime victim’s assistance coordinator for the 100th Judicial District.
Both statements focused on the fact that the one person who should have been protecting the victim, the biological father, was the one person causing her the most harm.
City approves $25k severance pay for Little
Former city administrator Lambert Little will receive a severance package worth more than $25,000 following action taken by the Clarendon Board of Aldermen last Tuesday, January 8.
The board met in closed session with City Attorney James Shelton for about 30 minutes before reconvening in open session to approve paying Little six months of salary in the amount of $25,000 plus continuing his life and health insurance benefits for six months for an additional $2,192.76.
The motion, unanimously approved by Aldermen Tommy Hill, Will Thompson, Jesus Hernandez, and Abby Patten, also includes a provision requiring Little to sign a release preventing him from taking legal action against the city regarding his termination.
Little’s severance package is in accordance with his employment agreement, which was obtained by an open records request filed by The Clarendon Enterprise. The employment agreement was for a term from October 25, 2010, through October 25, 2013.
The severance package is in addition to the accrued sick leave and vacation time that aldermen approved paying Little at the time of his termination last month. According to information also obtained by the Enterprise, paying the sick leave and vacation time cost the city $6,609.80, which brings the total cost of dismissing Little to $33,802.56.
Twenty-four citizens attended last week’s meeting.
In other city business, aldermen appointed Debbie Roberts to fill the vacant seat of former Alderman Terry Noble. Roberts addressed the board during public comments and asked to be considered for the job. The board also asked Sandy Skelton, whose name had been put forward by a group of Clarendon businessmen last month, to make a few remarks. After a straw vote showing Aldermen Hill, Hernandez, and Patten in favor of Roberts and Alderman Thompson in favor of Skelton, Mayor Larry Hicks called for a motion and vote, and Roberts was unanimously appointed.
Public Works Director John Molder gave an update on city projects, including installation of an effluent meter at the waste water treatment facility and a water system study being conducted by KSA Engineers. Molder recommended killing a six-inch line northwest of the City Barn that goes under the railroad tracks and has been a constant source of leaks. The line is unnecessary and eliminating it would save a lot of headaches, he said.
Following up on Molder’s remarks, Mayor Hicks said the upcoming water and street improvement project that includes a section of Sixth Street will be modified so that a new four-inch water line is run down the alley between Sixth Street and Wood Avenue which has been a chronic source of dirty water.
City Secretary Machiel Covey updated the board on the codification of city ordinances, and the mayor also reminded the board of an upcoming Texas Municipal League meeting in Amarillo.
Livestock auction raises $61,000 for local youth
Koyt Tucek and Jodee Pigg exhibited the top animals in the Beef Division during the annual Donley County Junior Livestock Show last Saturday, January 12, at the Donley County Activity Center.
Tucek showed the Grand Champion Steer, and Pigg had the Grand Champion Heifer.
Other top winners were Chardy Craft and her Grand Champion Goat; Madison Smith with the Grand Champion Lamb; Austin Adams and his Grand Champion Gilt; and Kati Adams with the Grand Champion Barrow.
Reserve Champion honors when to Chardy Craft, goats; Madison Smith, lambs; Jodee Pigg, steers; Hannah Hommel, heifers; Tristen Harper, gilts; and Chance McAnear, barrows.
A total of 73 kids from the Donley County 4-H Club and local FFA chapters exhibited 102 animals during the show. Last year 62 young people showed 98 animals.
The livestock auction following the show generated an estimated $61,000, and that number is likely to increase as donations continue to be received. Last year’s sale totaled about $70,000 when everything was collected.
Showmanship awards this year went to Kassie O’Dell – Senior Goat, Cole Franks – Junior Goat, Jasmine Lockeby – Senior Lamb, Madison Smith – Junior Lamb, Austin Adams – Senior Swine, Dalton Benson – Junior Swine, Brittany McAnear – Senior Beef, and Koyt Tucek – Junior Beef.
Complete results of the show are as follows:
Barrows
– Class 1 – Kadee Lockeby, first, Kyla O’Dell, second, Klaiton Moore, third, Kassie O’Dell, fourth; Class 2 – Shelby Musick, Light Weight Division Reserve Champion, first, Coltin Kingston, second, Jake Owens, third, Cheyenne Smith, fourth, Kyle Lindsey, fifth, Makenzie Hinton, sixth; Class 3 – Koyt Tucek, Light Weight Division Champion, first, Dalton Benson, second, Clay King, third, Lane Cabler, fourth, Collin Monroe, fifth; Class 4 – Hadleigh Halsell, first, Austin Adams, second, Jade Benson, third, Kaitlyn Davis, fourth; Class 5 – Cheyenne Smith, Medium Weight Division Reserve Champion, first, Kari O’Dell, second, Andy Munoz, third, Caylor Monroe, fourth, Calder Havens, fifth; Class 6 – Kati Adams, Grand Champion, Medium Weight Division Champion, first, Payton Havens, second, Jade Benson, third, Clay King, fourth, Braylee Sheilds, fifth, Seth Greer, sixth; Class 7 – Chance McAnear, Reserve Champion, Heavy Weight Division Champion, first, Dalton Benson, second, Austin Adams, third, Koyt Tucek, fourth, Ryan Ward, fifth, Lane Cabler, sixth; Class 8 – Kati Adams, Heavy Weight Division Reserve Champion, first, Hannah Hommel, second, Marijke Tiddens, third, David Johnston, fourth, Cole Ward, fifth; Class 9 – Hannah Hommel, first, Tres Hommel, second, Shelby O’Keefe, third, Tres Hommel, fourth,
Gilts
– Class 1 – Tristen Harper, Reserve Champion, first, Joseph Jaramillo, second, Gaven Nazario, third, Joslyn Burton, fourth, Christian Lucero, fifth; Class 2 – Austin Adams, Grand Champion, first, Kallie Lindsey, second, Kyler Lamberson, third, Cody Cabler, fourth, Clay Ward, fifth; Class 3 – Kati Adams, first, Koyt Tucek, second, Hannah Hommel, third, Gaven Nazario, fourth, Diego Souza, fifth; Class 4 – Tristen Harper, first, Tres Hommel, second, Emeri Robinson, third, and Porshe Henderson, fourth.
Goats
– Class 1 – Chardy Craft, Grand Champion, first, Chardy Craft, Reserve Champion, second, Parker Womak, third, Parker Womak, fourth, Ethan Babcock, fifth, Clint Franks, sixth; Class 2 – Izzy Craft, first, Kassie O’Dell, second, Cole Franks, third, Kolt Stevenson, fourth; Class 3 – Arden Haught, first, Cole Franks, second, Kolt Stevenson, third, and Keandre Cortez, fourth.
Heifers
– Jodee Pigg, Grand Champion, first, Hannah Hommel, Reserve Champion, second, and Tres Hommel, third.
Sheep
– Class 1 – Klaiton Moore, first, Jasmine Lockeby, second; Class 2 – Madison Smith, Grand Champion, first, Madison Smith, Reserve Champion, second, Charlie Ann Neeley, third.
Steers
– Class 1 – Jodee Pigg, Reserve Champion, Breed Champion, first, Brittney McAnear, Breed Reserve Champion, second, Cody Wood, third, Koyt Tucek, fourth; Class 2 – Hannah Hommel, first, Tres Hommel, second; Class 3 – Kaden Bennett, first, John Pigg, second, Colt Wood, third; Class 4 – Koyt Tucek, Grand Champion, Breed Champion, first, Caden Farris, second, Austin Adams, third; Class 5 – Trevor Cobb, Breed Reserve Champion, first, Austin Adams, second, Kati Adams, third, and Kelsey McAnear, fourth.
Editorial: Home grown products can boost town
Clarendon has great potential that is just waiting to be tapped by the right people. It’s been this way for many years, with our community just flirting with what it could become. As we continue to resolve to get involved in 2013, we need to constantly look for ways to improve our town, to capitalize on the opportunities here, and improve the quality of life for those of us who already live here as well as those folks who might consider this as a place to “stay all night… or stay a little longer.”
Last week’s column describing potential businesses that might prosper in Clarendon was well received and leads us into another discussion about tapping our natural resources.
The best example of this is Monroe’s Peach Ranch near Hedley and Howard’s Pumpkin Patch east of Clarendon. Here are two businesses that capitalize on fresh products grown right here in Donley County, but this is an area that could be expanded in local and area stores.
Fredericksburg Farms has done very well with an assortment of jams, jellies, and other products, and God has blessed Donley County with many native plants that could lead to our own niche products. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to buy Donley County Wild Plum Jelly or Mustang Grape Jelly? You wouldn’t try to compete with Smucker’s, but some homemade jellies could make great gift items.
Since grapes grow wild here, maybe that’s God’s way of telling us that we need a winery here? It’s something to think about. They are making them grow on the South Plains, but they seem to do very well on their own here in the Green Belt on the Rolling Plains. Just think of it… Saints’ Roost Winery featuring the Clara Cabernet in an ironic salute to the old prohibitionist herself. My mind runs wild with the marketing ideas for this one.
Along those same lines, we should be able to buy some roasted Donley County peanuts in bags somewhere. What a great gift for the holidays! And it would be a terrific give-away for visitors to the Economic Development & Tourism Office in the Mulkey Theatre. Or heck, sell them in the concession stand at the theatre someday! Local peanuts could also be put into candies and chocolates for even more local flavor.
And here’s something you probably didn’t know. Super Bowl legend and former Clarendon Broncho Kenny King has his own brand of barbecue sauce! Kings Q Sauce boasts a “woo…aah” taste, and it would be terrific to have it for sale in his hometown. There are Kenny King friends and fans right here who would love to “woo” and “aah” for ourselves.
These products would fit very nicely into the already available market of homemade boots, saddles, and leather goods and bring even more notoriety to our fair town. And every locally made product we come up with just further enhances what we have and our prospects for the future.
Meanwhile…
33,802 reasons Hill should quit
Two weeks ago, this column did something it had never done before in calling for a local official to resign from his position for the good of the city. We cited Clarendon Alderman Tommy Hill’s adversarial attitude toward each of the last three city administrators – including voting to fire the last two, his tendency to micromanage city affairs, and his burning need to know what city employees are doing every minute of every day. Now to that list we add official recklessness and apparent incompetence.
Hill’s hasty and emotionally driven motion to fire City Administrator Lambert Little at the December 11, 2012, city meeting called for paying the man’s accrued vacation and sick time. But according to city policy, an employee who is terminated shall not receive compensation for sick leave or vacation time. That money should have never been paid… except that the board, by Hill’s motion, voted to do it.
Alderman Hill served on the board of aldermen for eight years from 2002 to 2010 before choosing not to run for reelection that year. He jumped back into the fray running for election in 2011 and now has nearly ten years of experience on the board… more than any other member. He makes it a habit of nitpicking the city’s employee policies and he constantly harps on saving the taxpayers money, worrying most recently over expenditures by the administrator of 60-something dollars at a conference and a 45-dollar Sam’s Club membership. And yet his motion cost this city an unnecessary $6,609.80.
And to add insult to the taxpayers’ injury, Hill’s motion dismissed the administrator without cause, triggering a provision in Little’s employment agreement that cost this city $25,000 cash plus $2,192.76 in continued health and life insurance benefits. Total cost to fire the administrator: $33,802.56.
Hill wasn’t alone in voting for Little’s termination, but Hill’s experience and obvious roll as a leader on the board puts an added burden on him to do what is right for this city and not make a rash decision that wastes tens of thousands of tax dollars.
“I represent the taxpayers,” Hill has said at city meetings on numerous occasions. But now we have 33,802 very specific reasons why he doesn’t represent the taxpayers and should step down. And that doesn’t include the bill from the city attorney.
Opinion: Struck by lightning bolts from heaven
Every once in a while, when most direly needed, a lightning bolt thunders down from Heaven, straight into the heart; generous amounts of joy and unconditional love accompany that Divine arrow that pierces our very being.
Recently, just before Christmas, just such a bolt shot into my life, and has reappeared, once again, this week. This particular bolt is a tiny, hazel-eyed, honey-blond waif of a girl, not much bigger than a minute. Do not mistakenly think that this small, delicate child that has thundered into my life is barren of the enormous capability to enlighten and change my life’s pathway to a much higher plane.
Appropriately, her name is Celeste, which means heavenly. The lovely Celeste has proceeded to capture my heart, and holds it in her iron grip, enveloping it in the tender mercies of her charm, and a smile as brilliant as all the stars in the sky. She quite suddenly bestowed the title of “Pa-pa” on me, one day when I unexpectedly walked into her Bella’s house. As I entered the room where she was, she looked up, cried out “Pa-pa” and ran with abandon straight into my arms and into my heart.
She has joined two other wonderful bolts from Heaven into my life in the Pantheon of earth angels that currently reside in my heart and soul. They are gentle Ben and Miss Ella Estlack, the precious children of my cousin Ashlee, and her husband (who also happens to be my editor and publisher).
Shortly after moving back home to convalesce after a second traumatic brain surgery, and even more traumatic marriage, Ben and Ella captured my heart the very same day that I, once again, met them. They have owned me since that day, using joy and unabashed love to nourish and fortify my parched soul.
These three little ones are the jewels in my life, along with, of course, my children – who are scattered on the four winds, and two magnificent grandsons who reside in faraway Puyallup, Washington, and a new granddaughter, also named Ella, who lives in distant Chicago.
Kyle is 19, and a brilliant freshman at the University of Washington. Cooper is his younger and taller brother, who has just completed a remarkable athletic accomplishment. He was selected as one of only 18 soccer players in the entire the state of Washington, to make the roster of the Seattle Sounders Professional Soccer Club’s development team. This past weekend they travelled to Las Vegas and competed in a multi-state soccer tournament, finishing second to California South. For those who don’t have a clear appreciation or interest in soccer, this is a big, big deal.
I must include my beast of a cousin, Monty Holland, in this most sacred list of lightning bolts from Heaven. He is now honorably serving our country as an airman in the United States Air Force. Monty is based in the heart of the children of the corn, Nebraska, most likely shivering mightily as I write this. Monty welcomed me home with good humored affection and was willing to share his abode with me, and seemed to tolerate me well enough. I’m really proud of the man Monty has become.
Seeing and knowing that the innocence of our children and young people is like looking into the eyes of God, I am so very grateful that He, in His infinite wisdom, knows just when to send down these lightning bolts from Heaven. When all is said and done, and our life on earth is ebbing away, the memories of the love and joy these precious people surrounded us with will accompany us as we begin our final journey into eternity.
One thing that this holiday season reminded me of is the goodness, the drama, the clutter, and the joy of spending quality time with friends and family over the holidays. Hidden just below the surface of the clutter and the cluttered lives, is a deep well-spring of love and devotion to each other. That is where the meaning of life can be found.
What are we to do with these lightning bolts from Heaven, especially in these days when terrible violence is inflicted upon these innocents? What is our responsibility to the young? How can we unconditionally support their search for meaning, and their struggles for significance?
I know that the influence of these gifts from Heaven has changed me forever, and for the better. I am fairly certain that we, as a village, do not properly protect them from harm, from pedophiles, from stone cold killers, and from the abuse of their parents and families.
We must find a way to better protect our children while keeping our Constitutional freedoms. As precious as they are, we have a responsibility to work together and create more effective ways to protect and nurture them. I’ve no doubt we can do this if we work together. Turning a blind eye and minding our own business is not an excuse to appease our collective conscience.
Broncos wrangle Mustangs, defeat Vega
By Sandy Anderberg
The Broncos walked onto the court Tuesday night with a renewed aggressiveness and a strategy to win their opening district game against the Claude Mustangs. They followed through with that plan and defeated them 45-32.
The Broncos fought hard all night and kept the Mustangs at bay throughout the game. They opened with a nine-point lead and the difference was eight at the break. After playing evenly the third, the Broncos stretched out their lead and held that spread until the end. The Broncos were aided by six three-point shots by three players with three of them coming in the opening period.
“The kids did a great job of playing defense,” head coach Brandt Lockhart said. “Claude had a hard time getting into their set plays. I was very proud of our physical play.”
Scoring: Cody Wood 12, Cole Ward 12, Diego Santos 10, Charles Mason 6, Trajen Johnson 3, and Adam Topper 2.
The Broncos continued their winning streak on the road Friday night against Vega where they took a 37-34 win. Clarendon trailed after the first quarter of play, but regrouped to overtake their opponent grabbing a three-point lead going into the break. They sustained that lead in the second half and dug deep to stay alive. Several players stepped up and made crucial points in the final minutes of the game. Defensively, the Broncos stifled Vega’s best player who had been averaging 18 points a game.
“We played really good defense and were able to make plays down the stretch,” Lockhart said. “I was proud of the way the kids responded because Vega is a tough place to play. Cody Wood, Charles Mason, and Jonah Sell combined to stop their best player to just three points. Diego Santos and Adam Topper combined for some key plays also had key plays down the stretch. Trajen Johnson had a key defensive play in the last few seconds and Cole Ward made two big free throws in the last few seconds.”
Scoring: Ward 13, Topper 12, Johnson 10, Mason 2.
The Broncos will play Panhandle on the road Friday, January 18, and travel to Claude January 25.
Lady Broncos show strength in win over Claude and Vega
By Sandy Anderberg
The Lady Broncos flexed their muscles in their District season opener against Claude at home Tuesday night. The ladies outhustled, outplayed, and outlasted a mediocre Lady Mustang team 61-37 to go 14-2 on the year. The Lady Broncos have also been duly recognized in the polls with a number 10 ranking this week in 1A Division I.
After a first quarter blowout by the Lady Broncos, the Lady Mustangs rallied back and hit four three-point shots in the second quarter. But the ladies stayed solid and looked to fundamental basketball and aggressive defense to thwart the comeback attempt and get the win. McKayla Cartwright dominated inside and finished with 18 points while Jentry Shadle hit from the outside for 16. Taylor Gaines stepped up her play and took it in for 12.
“We came out with a lot of energy and were able to get a lead in the first quarter,” coach Molly Weatherred said.
“Claude hit some big shots in the second quarter, but I thought our girls did a great job coming out in the second half and got some big defensive stops. I thought we played really physical and tough this game, which is nice to see.”
Scoring: Cartwright 18, Shadle 16, Gaines 12, Camra Smith 6, Anna Ceniceros 4, Ryann Starnes 3, and Audrey Shelton 2.
On Friday, the Lady Broncos added another win to their year as they defeated Vega 51-39. The ladies gained the early momentum and held a comfortable lead at the break. Offensively, the Lady Broncos were not as sharp from the three-point line as they are capable of, but shot great free throws at 77 percent to help on the scoreboard.
Gaines led the team on the scoreboard with 13 and Cartwright finished with a double at 10. Weatherred was pleased with her team’s composure in the game.
“Vega was a crazy atmosphere,” Weatherred said. “I give their fans and students credit for that. I feel that the girls handled it great. We were glad to get out of there with a win. We did not shoot the ball well at all, so for us to win a game and shoot 16% from the three-point line is a good sign.”
Scoring: Gaines 13, Cartwright 10, D. Howard 8, Smith 8, Starnes 7, Ceniceros 3, and Shelton 2.
The ladies will continue their district schedule on Friday, January 18 on the road against Panhandle. They will have an open date January 22, but travel to Claude Friday, January 25.
Lady Owls beat Kress
By Fred Gray
The Lady Owls of Hedley beat Kress High School 56-34 on January 8. Kati Adams put on a scoring clinic when she scored 17 points, and Kortney Burton did the same with 16 points in a grand effort. Bailey Wood had a good night, scoring 13 points, while Salem Shelp added a respectable 8 points. Kassie O’Dell added 2 points to the victory.
The Lady Owls of Hedley fell to Valley High School on January 11, 68 to 20. Salem Shelp scored 7 points, while Kassie O’Dell added 5 points. Both Kati Adams and Bailey Wood scored 4 points in the game.
Hedley’s next game is January 18 at Groom, and they return home on the 22nd to host Silverton.
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