Friendly mix up
Archives for October 2014
City aldermen look at signs and crosses
The Clarendon Board of Aldermen last week took its first official look at religious markers that have been turning the heads of travelers on US 287 for more than two years.
The discussion about 40 or more ten-foot crosses and more than a dozen four-foot by eight-foot religious signs was brought to the table at the October 14 city meeting by Alderman Sandy Skelton, who said he wanted the board to consider possibly adopting an ordinance to govern future signs and markers.
“I requested this issue to be placed on the agenda for discussion simply because of the strong feelings it has generated among city residents and visitors traveling through Clarendon,” Skelton told the board. “Some like the crosses and signs, and others say they over the top – too many signs and crosses – and that they send a message of intolerance toward other religions.”
Skelton went on to say that was not proposing anything be done about the signs and crosses that are currently existing, but that rules should be considered for the future. He also said he thinks most residents would agree that too many signs within the city limits with the same message is excessive and takes away from the attractiveness of the city.
City Secretary Machiel Covey noted that the city does have a sign ordinance. She said the rules were approved by the board of aldermen in 1995, are six pages long, and require a permit to be issued for all new signage in the city.
Jim Griffin, the man responsible for the signs and crosses, said he approached the city about any needed permits before installing them and was told by then city administrator Lambert Little that he did not need one.
Addressing the board, Griffin said he is a servant of Jesus Christ and that he doesn’t consider the cross to be a sign.
“It’s a symbol of Jesus’ love for you,” he said. “He shed his blood on that cross.”
Griffin said he has had nothing but positive feedback from travelers, and he said his mission is to witness to every person who comes through Clarendon.
Griffin also said he had no problem with rules governing signs and markers as long as the work he has done is grandfathered.
While Griffin has received only good comments, other travelers’ statements to the Clarendon Visitor Center and the Enterprise have reflected mixed reactions. Some people have liked the crosses, but others say the crosses and signage are too much and make the town look bad.
Aldermen took no action on the subject last Tuesday, and it’s not clear what – if anything – may be done in the future. City Hall said this week that officials have compared Clarendon’s sign ordinance to other cities’ and found the rules to be similar. The sign ordinance is not scheduled to be on next week’s agenda.
In other city business, the board discussed a “perpetual” garage sale that was going on for some time on US 287 and operated by Lynn Floyd. City officials said the sale should be cleaned up soon with the cooperation of the property owner, but an ordinance governing garage sales and limiting how long they can operate will be presented at the next meeting.
Aldermen also considered the date and frequency of the regular city meetings. Alderman Larry Jeffers, who was absent last week due to illness, has lobbied for reducing the number of regular city meetings from twice a month to once a month. But Alderman Skelton said he was not in favor of the idea.
“We don’t have a city manager, and we have so much to do,” Skelton said. “We have a full agenda every time, and I want to see us keep moving forward.”
The board took no action on the subject, choosing instead to wait until Jeffers could be present to discuss the matter further.
Alderman considered purchasing a street sweeper for the city and agreed to purchase one for an amount not to exceed $50,000. Mayor Larry Hicks had said he thought the city could get a used sweeper for about $35,000, but Alderman Doug Kidd said he was in favor of spending the money to get something good.
Early vote underway in general election
Sixty-one people already cast ballots in this year’s General Election following the first day of early voting Monday at the Donley County Courthouse Annex.
Early voting by personal appearance continues through next Friday at the County Clerk’s office, and two races are of particular local interest.
Precinct 4 voters are deciding if they want to keep incumbent Republican Dan Sawyer as their county commissioner or if they would prefer Democratic challenger Ricky Rattan.
And voters in Precincts 1 & 2 can cast ballots for Republican Pam Mason to serve as their Justice of the Peace, or they can vote for the late Connie Havens. The incumbent Democrat passed away September 16, but her name is still on the ballot. If Havens gets the most votes, county commissioners would have to appoint someone to that post after the election is canvassed.
Local candidates running unopposed include incumbents County Clerk Fay Vargas (D) and County Treasurer Wanda Smith (R) as well as John Howard (R) for County Judge and Daniel Ford (R) for Commissioner of Pct. 2.
Also of local interest, US Representative Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) is challenged by Democrat Mike Miner, Libertarian Emily Pivoda, and Green Party candidate Don Cook.
State Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) faces opposition from Libertarian Kerry McKennon, and State Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) is joined on the ballot by Libertarian Steven Gibson.
Texans are also determining several statewide and area races, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and others as well as several judicial seats. Voters will also consider a state constitutional amendment regarding funding transportation improvements. Voters are urged to get informed on the issue and the races before them on the ballot.
This year’s general election will be held Tuesday, November 4.
Les Beaux Arts Festival to be this weekend
The sixth annual Clarendon Arts Festival will be held this week October 23, 25, and 26 at the Donley County Activity Center located one mile north of the city on State Hwy. 70.
The event, sponsored by Clarendon’s Les Beaux Arts Club, begins with the Preferred Buyers Reception held Thursday evening, October 23, where buyers will be delighted with the variety being offered at the Clarendon Arts Festival this year.
Many art works were checked in this week at the Clarendon Arts Festival. Anyone is welcome at Thursday’s reception; and if you haven’t already pre-paid as a preferred buyer, you can pay that night at the door.
As well as the large selection of art being offered, buyers enjoy the heavy hors d’oevres prepared by the ladies of Les Beaux Arts Club.
The Clarendon Arts Festival opens to the public Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and again at noon on Sunday. Those attending the Festival Sunday can enjoy St. Mary’s famous Annual Enchilada Dinner.
In addition to the art show, there are many artists setting up booths with hand-constructed items for sale.
The 2014 Clarendon Arts Festival is sponsored by the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation and Hotel Occupancy Tax, Donley County Activity Center, and Clarendon Family Medical. With all the fine art and crafts showing here this weekend, everyone should be able to find a unique gift or treasure.
Opinion: Clarendon – The New Appian Way
Last week, the Clarendon Board of Aldermen addressed the religious billboards and staggering number of sewer-pipe crosses – sort of, that is. Alderman Sandy Skelton brought the issue up of regulating signs. We have an ordinance. However, that was about it as far as it went.
A passing reference was made that perhaps it might be a good thing if the city council looked into the matter further, perhaps in a future meeting. I get the feeling that this council would just as soon leave this issue alone, until it festers to the point where serious disagreement blossoms, things get out of hand, and the sheriff has to intervene. I think that they are kicking the can down the road hoping the issue will go away. It ain’t gonna happen, unfortunately. This issue needs to be addressed and resolved.
At the moment, no one seems what can or cannot be done to address this problem. A few people (mainly those putting the infernal things up) like the signs and crosses, while many others don’t like them and think that they demean the City of Clarendon. I’m in the second group.
I think the signs and sewer-pipe crosses are cheap, trashy, and embarrassing to the community. Most cities, as a matter of course, do beautification projects in order to put their best foot forward, so visitors to that city will remember how beautiful and inviting the city is, want to come back, and maybe start a business. You know, grow. Some people, on the other hand, seem determined to clutter our town with cheap symbols of their faith, which do not necessarily agree with other expressions of the Christian faith.
For example, when entering Clarendon, folks see a billboard exclaiming, “Clarendon, Texas, Believers in the Cross and Jesus Crucified.” Well, this may be true for some people, but it is certainly not true for me and I don’t appreciate anyone else presuming to speak for my beliefs. I believe in the Risen Christ, not the cross, an instrument of death! Does this signage speak for the entire town? Is this our new town motto? Who decided that this message accurately reflects the sentiments of the majority of the citizens of Clarendon? Actually, I’m appalled that people see this message coming into town and then have to read it again when leaving town.
Another sign proclaims, “911 Tragedy Worse Things Coming Find Jesus.” Really? Are we stooping so low as to use the tragic deaths of thousands of Americans to sell how religious we are? 9-11 was not only a tragedy; 9-11 was an act of war! How can we be so callous as to use such a horrific event to sell our particular brand of righteousness? Furthermore, who says worse things are coming? Who approved this message for the town?
I realize that these signs and crosses are very important to some people’s feelings and beliefs. Naturally, they are going to be sensitive about any criticism of them. I also realize that the people who are putting these signs up may not have the deepest pockets in town, and therefore have to use cheap, ugly materials instead of high quality materials that actually enhance the town’s beauty. Their message seems to be more important that getting it across with dignity and class.
Coming into town from the north on Hwy. 70, a billboard proclaims, “Lovers of Pleasure More than God?” Hmmm? What does this mean? Are pleasures and God mutually exclusive? What are people to think when they drive by such a bizarre billboard? Is the sign directed to the patrons of a certain business located just east of Howardwick? Perhaps visitors will think we are accusing them of loving pleasures more than God. Does it mean that there are no pleasures to be found in Clarendon?
My point is that these signs are not only tacky and trashy, the messages they proclaim may or may not be true, and are certainly open to debate. Of course, they are constitutionally protected by freedom of speech and freedom of religion clauses, but being constitutional does not necessarily mean that they put our best foot forward. Ugly is still ugly.
There are, of course, other meanings to the cross.
Perhaps we should rename our portion of Hwy. 287 to the Appian Way. In 73 B.C., a former slave and gladiator, the famous Spartacus, led a rebellion of escaped slaves against the Roman Republic. A prominent senator, Marcus Licinius Crassus, raised an army at his own expense, became their general, and two years later led them into battle and crushed Spartacus and his slave rebellion. Crassus was the wealthiest man in the Roman Empire. Fabulously wealthy. Crassus was wealthier than any of the Roman emperors, Egyptian pharaohs or European kings. Of course Crassus’s wealth was built on the backs of slaves, and thus his motivation to crush Spartacus and the slave rebellion.
After Crassus defeated Spartacus the senator was given a triumph on the Appian Way — the Roman victory parade. The road was lined with 6,000 crosses! Upon each cross was a crucified slave. The message was clear: This was how Rome dealt with threats to their interests. This event, as much as any, established crucifixion as the symbol of Roman ruthlessness when it came to suppressing their enemies.
Goodbye, Rome. Hello, Clarendon! What are our crosses really saying to our visitors about us?
Lady Bulldogs sweep Lamar Community College
By Fred Gray
Last week the Clarendon College Lady Bulldogs swept Lamar Community College three sets; 25-16, 25-16, 25-16. They seem to be coming together as a team and have been very competitive in each match, regardless of the ultimate outcome.
According to head coach Melvin Balogh, the Lady Bulldogs are a very hardworking group, take excellent care of the ball, and compete well until the final point. They never, ever give up. He says that even though they are coming up a bit short, they are mastering the team concept, and serve as well as anyone in their conference, with four of the top servers in the conference. They take most of their matches to five games.
Olivia Ortega leads this fine group of servers and the rest of the team supports them with hustle and extra effort on every point.
To date, the Lady Bulldogs are 6-21; 1-2 at home, and 2-9 on the road, and 3-10 at neutral sites. The other teams in their conference (WJCAC) are: Odessa Community College, Midland Community College, Western Texas, New Mexico Military Institute, and Frank Phillips College.
The Lady Bulldogs are home, hosting Frank Phillips this Wednesday, October 22, at 7 P.M., then host NMMI this Saturday, October 25. Match times are 1 and 3 P.M.
Broncos come up short against Quanah
By Sandy Anderberg
The Clarendon Broncos have fought tough opponents and injuries all year and Friday night was no different as they lost 21-34 in Quanah. The loss put them at 1-6 overall and 1-1 in district play.
The Broncos battled hard in the first half of play according to head coach Gary Jack, but were unable to find the consistency they needed on offense to put points on the board.
“We had our chances to win,” Jack said. “We got behind in the first quarter.”
However, the Broncos worked their way back into the game and shared the lead with the Indians at the break at thirteen each.
Quanah took the lead back in the third quarter and the Broncos had to play catch up once again.
“We had opportunities and should have finished them off when we had the chance, but we just didn’t capitalize.”
The Broncos have been moving people around all season due to lack of experience and injured players. Friday night was no exception.
“We are still playing young kids,” Jack said. “We are switching players at the quarterback position between Bryce Hatley and Zack LaRoe and switching in other positions as well. A couple of kids were injured and probably won’t be able to play this coming week.”
So, the Broncos will continue on as they have all season. But quitting is not an option for the players.
“The kids are not giving up,” Jack said. “They are in their battling every week and we are still in the mix. But we have to get healthy and stay healthy.”
Jack noted that Montana Hysinger has played well all season on both sides of the ball and finished with 10 tackles Friday night. Also, Hatley had 10 tackles, Caleb Cobb racked up 12 tackles and Clay Koetting finished with 10.
Offensively, Charles Mason was a workhorse once again and posted 124 yards in the game on the ground and in the air. Cedrick McCampbell also made several good catches according to Jack.
The Broncos will host Crosbyton at home Friday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. Jack knows it will be tough as they are ranked in the top ten and undefeated on the year.
“We will have our hands full,” Jack said. “But we will meet the challenge and will survive these last games to get a spot in the playoffs.”
Panhandle youth compete in District 4-H Food Challenge
Three Donley County teams competed in the District 4H Food Challenge in Pampa on October 14, 2014.
A total of 285 youth from 17 Panhandle counties competed in the 4-H Food Challenge sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service on Oct. 14 at MK Brown Memorial Auditorium and Civic Center.
The Donley County Junior Team consisting of Laney Gates, Levi Gates, Jayde Gribble, McKenna Shadle, Haley Wilson and placed 3rd in the Breads and Cereals Group. In the Intermediate Age group, Kailee Osburn, Malorie Simpson, and Roxie Adams placed first in the Bread and Cereals Group. By placing first, they received embroidered green aprons. Also competing in the intermediate group was Izzy Craft, Chardy Craft, Jenci Hernandez, and Tanner Burch in the healthy snacks category.
The Food Challenge is modeled after such competitions as the Food Network’s Iron Chef, said Shawnte Clawson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 4-H and youth specialist in Amarillo.
The 4-H Food Challenge allows teams of three to five 4-H members to create a dish using a predetermined set of ingredients. From these ingredients, 4-H members must identify, prepare and then present information related to the preparation process, nutritional value, serving size and cost of the dish.
Throughout this process, 4-H members are applying the knowledge and skills gained through participation in the 4-H foods and nutrition project, demonstrating their culinary and food safety skills, and continuing to learn about making healthier food choices, Clawson said.
Cecil William McAfee
Cecil William McAfee, 83, died Wednesday, October 15, 2014, in Amarillo.
Services were held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, in Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.
Burial followed at the Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Cecil was born November 3, 1931 in Clayton, New Mexico to William Washington and Lillie Rose McAfee. He married Glendoris Ellis on May 24, 1953 in Amistad, New Mexico. He had been a resident of Clarendon the past 40 years. He taught shop at Palo Duro High School and at Amarillo College prior to his retirement. He was a past deacon of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon and was currently a member and deacon for the Community Fellowship Church. He also was a former Clarendon City Alderman and a former Scout Leader. He was a talented craftsman, loved traveling, and loved people. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on October 4, 2008; and 2 brothers, C.J. McAfee and Lloyd Girard.
He is survived by 2 sons, Steven McAfee and wife Polly of Clarendon and Farrell McAfee and wife Karen of Columbia, Maryland; a brother, Vernon Girard; 8 grandchildren, Seth McAfee, Ronnie Tabor, Kristen McAfee, Brandon McAfee, Nathan McAfee, Austin McAfee, Devin McAfee, and Brenna McAfee; and 7 great grandchildren.
The family suggests that memorials be to the Community Fellowship Church or BSA Hospice.
Marie Beulah Hill
Marie Beulah Hill, 97, died Saturday, October 18, 2014, Clarendon.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating.
Burial followed Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Marie was born November 7, 1916 in Briscoe County, Texas to Stanley and Beulah Carlile. She married Dale Roy Hill on August 5, 1936 in Clarendon. She had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon and Donley County. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon where she served in the WMU and Children Programs and was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1989; a daughter, Phyllis June Damm in 1993; and 2 sisters, Pauline Hardin and Katrina Conner.
She is survived by her son, Bill Dale Hill and wife Mary of Canyon Lake; a brother, John Carlile of Granbury; 4 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.
The family suggests that memorials be to the First Baptist Church Missionary Program.
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