Archives for July 2013

A public hearing to gauge interest in creating a farmers’ market in Clarendon will be held next Thursday, August 2, at City Hall.

Clarendon Economic Development & Tourism Director Chandra Eggemeyer says federal funds are available from the USDA that could pay a portion of the cost to set up a covered pavilion on city property where a proposed market could be set up.

Eggemeyer is making application for those funds through the city, but several hurdles still have to be cleared before the market could become a reality.

“Right now we just need to get feedback from the public and determine if there is local support for such a project,” Eggemeyer said.

Five local producers have already shown interest in the idea of a local farmers’ market at the city-owned property at Fourth and Kearney, east of the Post Office.

“We’re going ahead and initiating the application process because you never know if this money will be available in the next fiscal year,” Eggemeyer said. “However, Clarendon’s current lack of a quorum on its city council may be an issue going forward.”

USDA officials have indicated that the application can be made without action by the city council, but the entire project could be derailed if any formal city action is needed before November to accept the grant funds or give final approval to the proposed market’s location.

Hedley ISD announced plans this week to go after transfer students from neighboring school districts, and interim superintendent Bill Wood says the school has some new offerings that he hopes will bring in new students.

In addition to running bus routes to Clarendon and Lelia Lake and offering transportation to students in Memphis, Hedley is now expanding their Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten programs to full-day schedules. Wood also notes that Pre-K is being offered without a tuition fee unlike Clarendon ISD’s program.

Wood says the Hedley school has a history of excellence in academics, athletics, UIL competitions, and other events. He particularly noted the district’s successes in football, tennis, track, and FFA exhibitors in stock shows as well as students going to regionals in UIL science, accounting, math, and social studies and one state qualifier.

Hedley ISD has a “Recognized” rating from the state and has met Adequate Yearly Progress measures for the past several years. Additionally, HISD has received Gold Performance Acknowledgements in attendance, college ready graduates, college admissions, recommended high school program, Texas Success Initiative for ELA and Math, and Commended for Reading and Writing.

Wood also touts Hedley’s 7:1 student-teacher ratio.

“The smaller class size enables each student to receive maximum direct instruction from the teacher,” Wood said. “These characteristics combined with our experienced and dedicated staff of caring individuals creates a perfect environment for students. We have what you’re looking for in the education of your children.”

For more information, call Wood at 856-5323.

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) has been named one of the 50 “most influential politicos to watch” by Politico, a Capitol Hill newspaper and website. The annual list, compiled by Politico’s editors and reporters, comprises what the publication calls, “the next generation of movers and shakers in politics and policy.”

Rep. Thornberry is recognized for his leadership and influence in national security. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Current Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon (RCA) lauded Thornberry as his “partner” on the committee.

“We work together on just about everything, so I look to him as a real help,” McKeon said and cited the Clarendon native’s leadership within the committee and across the Republican Conference.

“He’s the one to help him turn up the volume – within the committee or even the Republican Conference – to help pass critical legislation like the annual defense policy bill.”

Admiral James Stavridis (USN RET), who stepped down earlier this year as NATO’s supreme allied commander and also served as the Commander of U.S. European Command, described Thornberry as “a leading actor on defense in the United States who is thoughtful, balanced and intellectually grounded in his opinions and actions.”

The article also praised Thornberry’s style, noting “He’s not a headline chaser like a lot of members…He’s not one who thinks of a question or an issue because he’s read about it. He tends to be ahead of the curve on the things he has oversight on.”

Politico says its “50 politicos to watch” feature looks “at the new generation of lawmakers, candidates, bloggers, fundraisers, consultants, and media standouts who will be a “force to reckon with in the coming years.”

Austin Adams of the Hedley FFA chapter was awarded a $18,000 scholarship, sponsored by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, at the 85th annual Texas FFA State Convention held July 8-12 in Dallas.

Adams was awarded for his qualifications in academic achievement, leadership, SAE, FFA involvement, financial need, and personal interview. Austin Adams was one of 70 high school seniors across the state to receive this honor. He will be attending Clarendon College in the fall, where he also received a Livestock Judging Scholarship. He will be majoring in animal science.

The 85th annual Texas FFA State Convention recorded more than 11,000 members and guests. Members of the agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association. The Texas FFA has evolved from an organization focusing primarily on production agriculture, to a broader-based encompassing organization that addresses the needs and interests of students in urban and suburban schools in addition to the rural communities from which FFA rose in 1929. The organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 95,000 members and 1,000 local FFA chapters. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.texasffa.org.

 More than half a million dollars of bridge improvements will be made in the City of Clarendon following action taken by the Texas Transportation Commission last week.

State officials authorized $553,081 to construct a new bridge on Seventh Street at City Park and repair the bridge on Rosenfield Street. Gilvin-Terrill, LTD of Amarillo was awarded these projects for approaches and bridge work.

“Safety is the top priority at TxDOT and the basis for planning, building, and maintaining our transportation systems,” said Marty Smith, Childress District Engineer. “Keeping travelers moving safely and efficiently will continue to be an ongoing priority in Texas.”

The Seventh Street bridge was closed in 2008 after Texas Department of Transportation officials determined it was unsafe for travel. The pony truss bridge was built in 1908, and TxDOT says it will leave the historic bridge in place but closed to traffic, and the new bridge will be constructed adjacent to the old one on the south side.

The Rosenfield bridge is a 1940 Warren truss bridge and has remained open. TxDOT says that bridge will be rebuilt and keep its original appearance.

“In a state as vast as Texas, it’s imperative to not only have reliable roadways connecting our rural and urban citizens, but also to be diligent in designing and maintaining them with safety in mind,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Fred Underwood.

TxDOT Public Information Officer Barbara Seal said work on the bridges should begin in the next few months.