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Archives for April 2013

Gladys Katrena “Kay” Connor

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Gladys Katrena “Kay” Connor passed away April 21, 2013, in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of William S. and Beulah Carlile of Clarendon, TX. She was predeceased by her husband, Hilary H. Connor, her brother W.S. Carlile, Jr. and her sister Pauline Heath Hardin.

WEB pic obit connerShe is survived by her children, Cynthia Connor of Columbia, SC, Hilary Connor of Philadelphia, PA, Kevin Connor of Woodbridge, VA, Katrena Burns of Trumbull, CT and by her sister Marie Hill, Clarendon, TX and her brother John Carlile of Granbury, TX.

Kay received her nursing degree from Baylor University, then served as a Lieutenant, J.C. in the U.S. Navy, where she met her husband. They lived for several years in RI, where he had a private medical practice. After he joined the Public Health Service, they lived in several states, including Oklahoma, where she received her M.A. in Urban Planning. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, for her inquiring mind and sparkling wit. She will be interred with her husband at Washingtons Crossing National Cemetery in PA.

 

George Clinton Shields

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George Clinton Shields, 90, died Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Amarillo.

WEB pic obit shieldsGraveside services were held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

George C. Shields was born May 25, 1922, in Hopper, Ark to John Wesley and Lonnie Caroline Marsh Shields. George joined the CCC for 2 years, and then served in the United States Coast Guard. He married Rita Elizabeth Garrigan on February 16, 1944 in New Orleans where he worked for Rheem Manufacturing for 18 years. Together they moved in December 1965 to Donley County where he was a farmer, and loved every minute of it. George never met a stranger, and thoroughly enjoyed his daily visits around the community at places like the local gin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rita Elizabeth, on December 19, 1997; 5 brothers, Lester, Hester, Coleman, Harmon, and Arthur; and 2 sisters, Ethel Henson, and Christine Kennedy; and his daughter-in-law, Roxanne Shields, on January 19, 2013.

He is survived by 2 sons, Bruce Shields of Amarillo, and Don Shields & wife Joan of Amarillo; 3 brothers, James Shields & wife Reba of Durant, OK, Herbert Shields & wife Hazel of Lelia Lake, and Earl Shields & wife Susie of Lelia Lake; his sister, Grace Caldwell of San Angelo; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to one’s favorite charity in memory of George Shields. Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

 

David Dean Lowrie

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David Dean Lowrie, 68, died Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Amarillo.

WEB pic obit lowrieFuneral services were held on Monday, April 22, 2013, at Agape Christian Church in Clarendon with Wyatt Fenno, Leonard Holt, Don Stone, and Anthony Knowles, officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

David Dean Lowrie was born July 10, 1944, in Wheeler to Elmer Wootten and Pauline Ann McBee Lowrie. He attended schools in Wheeler, Friona, and graduated from Briscoe High School in 1963. He was also a graduate of West Texas State University in 1968 earning a Bachelor of Science degree and completed his Master’s degree in 1970.

David began teaching science at Clarendon College in 1970 and taught full time until 2002. He continued teaching part time for the college for several years at the Pampa and Childress campuses. David completed the requirements for his public school teaching certificate and taught science at Clarendon High School from 2007 until 2011.

David married Paula Wall on July 28, 1973, in Pampa. He and Paula lived in Clarendon throughout the entire marriage. He served as Cub Master for troop #437 in Clarendon and Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #433. He was Explorer Post Advisor for Post #437 from 1989 until 1992. David was a charter member of Agape Christian Church and was instrumental in the purchase and remodeling of the current facility. He served as the minister for the church since 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Harold, Huey, Kenneth, and Doug Lowrie; and his grandson, Sean David Lowrie, in 2003.

He is survived by his wife, Paula, of Clarendon; 3 sons, Jason Lowrie and wife Sharon of Lelia Lake, Nathan Lowrie and wife Shonda of Clarendon, and Jeff Lowrie of Amarillo; 4 grandchildren, Mason Lowrie, Ashton Smith, Zaryia Smith, and Jessica Lowrie.

The family suggests that memorials be to Agape Christian Church, PO Box 57, Clarendon, Texas 79226. Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

 

Hedley does well at Regional UIL

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South Plains college hosted the Regional Academic UIL contest on Friday. Competing form Hedley were Clay King- Social Studies; David Bell- Social Studies; Miles Patton- Science; Diego Souza- Science; Kassie O’Dell-Social Studies; Kristen Liner- Social Studies. Although the participants didn’t place high enough to qualify for state, they all worked really hard. “We were very proud of our kids for their hard work. Making it to Regionals- many for the first year in the contest is something to be commended.” Said Kari Lindsey, UIL Sponsor from Hedley High School. Courtesy Photo / Hedley yearbook
South Plains college hosted the Regional Academic UIL contest on Friday. Competing form Hedley were Clay King- Social Studies; David Bell- Social Studies; Miles Patton- Science; Diego Souza- Science; Kassie O’Dell-Social Studies; Kristen Liner- Social Studies. Although the participants didn’t place high enough to qualify for state, they all worked really hard. “We were very proud of our kids for their hard work. Making it to Regionals- many for the first year in the contest is something to be commended.” Said Kari Lindsey, UIL Sponsor from Hedley High School. Courtesy Photo / Hedley yearbook

 

Shirley to retire as CC president this year

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By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Clarendon College President Phil Shirley announced April 18 that he will step down at the end of 2013, wrapping up a 40-year career in higher education.

Shirley made his retirement plan public at the close of Thursday’s meeting of the CC Board of Regents, and another longtime college employee, Darlene Spier, also submitted her retirement to the board.

“I can’t praise the board enough, especially Chairman John Howard, who accepted everything I recommended,” the president said. “I’m indebted to their support, and my memories of Clarendon College will be nothing but sweet and endearing.”

The president also praised the staff, faculty, and administration for their support of him and of the ideas he said they had collectively embraced.

“There is no one on this campus that I do not hold in the highest regard,” he said.

Shirley has served as CC’s president since January 2011. His career began with six years in teaching before he went into college administration 34 years ago. He served as CC’s Dean of Instruction from 1986 to 1990 and later served as the president of Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff, Ark., for 11 years before returning to Clarendon.

His retirement comes at a time when Clarendon College is embarking on new ventures and developing new programs that will expand the college’s offerings in the area – particularly Amarillo – and ultimately boost the economy of Donley County through growth at the home campus.

“It is difficult to leave at a time when Clarendon is experiencing rare opportunities and achievements,” Shirley said. “We’re planting the seeds for someone else to reap, and I’m content with that. I am confident that Clarendon College will continue to be led by people of the highest integrity and moral character.”

Shirley will rejoin his family in Arkansas when he steps down, but he will continue to have fond feelings for Clarendon and said he was honored to end his career at CC.

“I love the people of Clarendon,” he said. “They are of such high character that it is hard to compare with any other group. I love the college and it is a great honor to retire here.”

Shirley says he will spend his retirement serving as an interim president when needed around the country and has been offered a job with “Building the Dream,” a grant-funded project which helps colleges re-tool their curriculums to focus on student success.

“I will not sit down in a rocking chair and piddle away the days, but rather I will put my 40-years’ experience to use to benefit other colleges.”

Shirley’s retirement becomes effective December 31, 2013; but before he steps down, another key college employee will leave CC.

Darlene Spier, who has served as the Assistant to the President for the last six presidents of CC, announced to the board that she will retire effective August 31, 2013.

“It has been a blessing and an honor for me to serve Clarendon College for 33 years,” she said.

Shirley said Spier made it possible for him to do his job.

“Darlene has been my right-hand person, a confidant, an inspiration, a historian, and the most knowledgeable person about Clarendon College who exists,” he said. “She has been an outstanding employee.”

Balloting to begin next week

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 By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Early voting by personal appearance begins Monday, April 29, for four local governments holding elections this spring.

Balloting for the City of Clarendon and Clarendon ISD will be at the Donley County Courthouse Annex. Howardwick residents can vote at the City Hall there, and early voting for the Hedley ISD Board of Trustees will be at the school office.

In all 24 candidates are seeking elected offices this spring.

Clarendon Mayor Larry Hicks is being challenged by Alderman Tommy Hill, and four people are running for two positions on the board. Alderman Debbie Roberts, who was appointed in December, is seeking a full term, and she is joined by former alderman Janice Knorpp, Sandy Skelton, and Trevor Leeper.

Clarendon ISD has four candidates for three positions on the Board of Trustees. Current school board members Robin Ellis and Jim Shelton are seeking re-election and challengers Linda Rowland and Chuck Robertson are also running.

Six candidates seek two positions on the HISD Board. Incumbents Bonnie Brown and James E. Potts are being challenged by Michele McCann, Kevin Smith, Aaron Harper, and Lana Ritchie.

The City of Howardwick leads the candidate count at eight with David P. Cafferata and former alderman Mike Rowland running for mayor; William R. Jordan, Gail Leathers, and Jim Cockerham running for two vacant full terms on the Board of Aldermen; and Alderman Gene Rogers, Cory Longan, former mayor H.L. “Buster” Baird, and Sandy Sanders vying for two unexpired terms.

Early voting by personal appearance runs through May 7. Election Day will be Saturday, May 11.

Editorial: Keep shining the light on local officials

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One of the duties of a newspaper is to serve as a watchdog and a check on the government, and for this newspaper, it has been a busy month in terms of standing up for open records and open meetings.

Last week’s column was given over to the explanation of the Texas Open Meetings Act in light of the behavior of the Clarendon Board of Aldermen; and while we were busy speaking out against an improper closed meeting of that board, we neglected to report on the results of the previous week’s editorial.

Roger Estlack, Editor
Roger Estlack, Editor

Readers will remember that in the April 11 issue, this column reported that the Enterprise has filed a formal open records request with the Hedley Independent School District. In a letter dated April 9, we requested copies of all board agendas and minutes (whether approved by the board or not) as well as a list of contracts renewed during the contentious March 19 meeting in which the athletic director, Darrell Wallace, was not renewed.

After the paper went to press that week, there was a brief back-and-forth between the district and the Enterprise. Ultimately, we submitted a legal opinion from the Texas Attorney General’s office to the district, and by Friday afternoon, April 12, we were in possession of all that we had requested.

Subsequently, when we called the school this week to ask for copies of upcoming agendas and last week’s minutes, they were faxed to our office in less than 24 hours.

It should also be noted that following last week’s meeting, board members thanked the paper’s representatives for coming and voiced their continued support for open records. They have also begun audio taping their meetings to add even more sunshine to the process.

We applaud that effort and expect that Hedley ISD will continue to cooperate on future open records requests. We also hope that all involved understand the importance of operating above board, without hidden agendas, and in the best interests of the taxpayers and the children of the Hedley school district.

The Enterprise is still pouring over the minutes obtained by our request, but we have learned a few things. The board actually took two votes on Mr. Wallace. The first was to renew his regular contract, but that failed on a 3-4 vote. There was then a brief executive session, which was followed by a second vote to extend him a probationary contract for one year, but that also failed 3-4.

The minutes also reflect what appears to be an ongoing schism between the board – or some board members – and the school administration with several references to board members wanting more and more information on a variety of topics.

What this all means is still unclear, but the board will hold its next regular meeting April 25, and we intend to be there. We would recommend that other interested parties attend as well to observe for themselves prior to the upcoming school board election.

 

Meanwhile…

Taxpayers in the Clarendon Independent School District will have a chance to find out more about a proposed tax increase next week during a public meeting on Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m.

School officials are proposing increasing the district’s ad valorem tax rate from $1.04 per $100 valuation to $1.17. Because the state has capped the district at the $1.04 rate, the increase would have to be approved by voters in a June 1, 2013, election.

If approved, the new rate would increase taxes on a $50,000 home by $65 per year.

School officials say they need this increase because of a deficit they are facing due to declining enrollment and cuts in state funds, but do they really need it? Superintendent Monty Hysinger says the district will have to “cut programs” if voters don’t approve the measure, but which programs?

Clarendon ISD needs to lay it all on the table before voters go to the polls. What are all the options? Are we really doing all we can to trim spending? Maybe. Maybe not. We don’t yet know the answers to all those questions, but they need to be addressed. Next week is as good a time as any to start looking for answers.

Opinion: We need to vote in this election

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Donley County is blessed with many hard working, creative, talented, and intelligent people. Unfortunately, with a few notable exceptions, that vast reservoir of talent and intelligence is not adequately represented on two of our most important boards, namely the Clarendon Board of Aldermen and the Hedley ISD Board of Trustees.

Currently, with one or two exceptions, both boards are blessed with a mixture of arrogance and naiveté. For the most part they seem to have a unique ability to crank almost every problem they address into a mind-bending crisis. Additionally, both boards could be characterized as rowdy, raucous, ill mannered and ill tempered. Changes in both boards need to be made and pronto!

Fred Gray.
Fred Gray.

Let’s start with our Board of Aldermen. They have, usually with a static 3-2 vote, made several decisions that are not in the best interest of Clarendon. First of all, they allowed their personal angst against Lambert Little to negatively affect their evaluations of how well he was performing his job. Secondly, they dismissed him without first checking with the city attorney. Thirdly, they fired him without cause, thereby costing the city more than $30,000. Finally, they fired him in a cold-blooded and merciless manner just before Christmas. We are better people than that. They did not reflect our values of fairness and compassion.

Moving on, let’s review the Hedley ISD Board of Trustees. That board has lost contact with reality. Again with a few exceptions, they have behaved in a disgusting and ill-mannered way. When the board didn’t renew Coach Darrell Wallace, it was not for cause, regardless of what they may claim. Sure Coach Wallace made mistakes while coaching the team, both in regards to tactics on the field as well as in his interactions with his players. All coaches make mistakes. If they aren’t making mistakes, then they aren’t trying. If they aren’t trying, then they are useless.

However, when they fired Coach Wallace, they also forced the resignation of his wife, Suzanne, who also happens to be a first rate teacher. Both of the Wallaces represent values and ideas that are far superior to the values and ideas that were represented by the majority of the board that voted to get rid of them. He was a good man who was treated with disdain and disrespect by people who don’t have a clue about grace and good manners. As importantly, they ran off two really good teachers. Good people are hard to find, and I find it abhorrent that a board could run off such talented people so callously.

As the Enterprise goes to press, that same board is currently in closed session, “evaluating” the contract and employment performance of their superintendent of schools, Bill Sanders. I’m certain that when they come out of closed session and hold the subsequent evaluation of Mr. Sander’s employment performance, a group hug will not follow the meeting. Again, the board appears to be prepared to run off a very talented and skilled administrator, an administrator who cares first and foremost about his students and his staff. Bill Sanders is a man of great skill, integrity, and emotional stability.

Lastly, the board, in a surprising and insensitive manner, removed Ted Wright as its president, again without cause. Ted Wright served Hedley with distinction, honor, and integrity. He deserved to be treated better – much better.

The Hedley ISD Board of Trustees has apparently not learned a vital element of success. Namely, that you nurture and do everything you can to retain good teachers and staff. Any organization is only as good as its people.

Luckily, we have elections coming up soon, with early voting starting next Monday, April 29, a great day to be a Texan. We, the people, can make the necessary changes in these boards by exercising our right to vote. In the big picture, local elections are vital to maintaining our way of life, remaining true to our values, and nurturing a strong democracy. So let’s all get out and vote. These elections may be the most critical elections we’ve held in a very long time.

Therefore, we need to go the extra mile, and learn about the candidates and the issues – then vote! The future of Donley County, Hedley, and Clarendon will largely be determined by the decisions we make in the upcoming elections.

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