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Archives for March 2017

Richard Louis “Rick” Alexander

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Richard Louis “Rick” Alexander, 69, died Monday, March 20, 2017, in Claude.

Richard Louis “Rick” Alexander

Memorial services will be private on Thursday.

Cremation & arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Claude Chapel.

Rick was born November 23, 1947, in Sayre, Oklahoma to Raymond Dale and Virginia Ward Alexander.  He married Syd Blackburn on February 24, 1997, in Clovis, New Mexico.  He had been a resident of Claude since 1997 and was an auto body technician prior to his retirement.  He loved fishing, gardening, and music.  He also loved his kids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a step son, Jackie Millwood; and a brother in law, Donnie.

He is survived by his wife, Syd Alexander of Claude; 3 sons, Russell Alexander and wife Lori of Denver City, Casey Alexander and wife Missie of Weatherford, and Stacey Alexander and wife Jonna of Ft. Worth; 2 daughters, Tina Hook and husband Mike of Claude and Sissy Millwood and Don Thompson of Amarillo; a brother, John Alexander and wife Barbara of Matador; 2 sisters, Annette Brittain and Raenell Shadle and husband Joe Neal all of Clarendon; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.

The family will receive friends at 507 West 1st in Claude Thursday starting at 2:30 PM.

The family request memorials be sent to BSA Hospice of the Southwest.

Truck sets fire near H’wick home

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A Howardwick residence was threatened Sunday after a truck set grass on fire near Carroll Creek.

Howardwick Fire Chief Will Jordan said a pickup owned by Tim Britten got into some grass and brush and heat from the vehicle’s catalytic converter started the fire.

A fire rages through dry grass in Howardwick Sunday, threatening one residence before volunteer firemen were able to extinguish the blaze. Courtesy Photo / Dusty Green

Volunteer firemen were paged to the scene about 5 p.m. Three Howardwick trucks and five firemen responded to the fire and had the problem contained in about 2½ hours, Jordan said.

The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department also responded.

Jordan said the fire burned about two acres or less and came within 15 feet of a residence. A strong wind could have made the situation much worse, the chief said.

Jordan reminds citizens that Howardwick is a certified Fire Wise Community. Volunteers have been trained by the Texas Forrest Service to help citizens minimize fire risks on their properties.

“Fires are going to happen,” Jordan said, “but there are many different things you can do to protect your home.”

For a Fire Wise assessment, Howardwick citizens can call City Hall at 874-2222.

Clarendon firemen have also been busy in the last several days.

On Monday, the CVFD responded to a call at 308 E. Sixth where a power line made contact with a tree, burning up a fence and threatening two homes, Fire Chief Jeremy Powell said.

Clarendon also joined firemen from Groom, McLean, Mobeetie, and Lefors in assisting the Hoover Volunteer Fire Department with a grass fire south of Pampa near SH 70 last Friday.

Local officials remind everyone to use extreme caution as dry conditions continue to create a high threat for wildfires.

CC equine program returning for fall ‘17

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Clarendon College is moving to revive a proven program this fall as a way of boosting enrollment and complementing its well established agriculture programs.

CC’s Equine Judging program was successful seven years ago, and college officials say it will be again.

“The program coach left and the college didn’t fill that position back then,” CC President Robert Riza said. “Now we’re looking to add programs, and we have everything we need to bring back equine judging.”

The program’s return was approved at the February board of regents’ meeting, and Dr. Riza says interviews for the coaching position will begin soon.

“This is a program that we can add in Clarendon, it will add numbers in the dorms, and they are good kids,” Riza said. “This is also a program that feeds directly into West Texas A&M and Texas Tech where many of our kids go.”

CC Vice President of Academic Affairs Brian Fuller says equine judging is a great opportunity for students and adding the program will further develop the ag offerings at the college.

“Students can gain useful knowledge for careers as horsemen, ranch environments, and livestock evaluation,” Fuller said. “These kids will also see the biggest professional and amateur competitive horse shows there are, and the program will help them prepare to become carded judgers in the future.”

The equine judging program, which will be one of the few junior college programs in the state, will mostly travel to Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City, and Weatherford and to the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio.

Students will also visit other minor shows to gain experience, Fuller said.

West Texas A&M University has the premier equine judging program, and Clarendon’s program will work closely with WTAMU with academic ag credits designed to transfer to WT and other regional universities.

Fuller said CC already has top meat and livestock judging teams, but livestock judging does not generally include horses.

“This program will help round out our judging program,” he said.

The equine judging program competes in teams of five, Fuller said, and Clarendon College expects to add 15 to 20 students with the program this fall.

To get more information about the new equine judging program, call Clarendon College at 806-874-3571.

Registrations open for Lions annual 5K

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The fifth annual Chance Mark Jones Roar ‘N Run 5K is coming up on Saturday, April 8, but those wanting to participate are reminded that the early registration deadline is on April 1.

The Clarendon Lions Club is hosting the event on Saturday, April 8, to coincide with Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Those interested in running or walking the 5K (about 3.1 miles) are encouraged to sign up before April 1 to take advantage of the early bird discount. Registration costs $25, but those who sign up early save $5. Signing up by April 1 also guarantees participants the official 5K t-shirt.

The year’s race will start and end on the Clarendon College campus and will run through the city, around Prospect Park, and past several historic structures, including the Donley County Courthouse, the First United Methodist Church, and the S.W. Lowe House.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. Race registrations are available at the Clarendon Visitor Center at the Mulkey Theatre, at the Enterprise, or online at http://bit.ly/2nwGpv1.

Sponsorships are also available, and potential sponsors are also asked to sign up by April 1 to ensure their names are on this year’s T-shirt.

Proceeds will go towards the many charitable activities of the Clarendon Lions Club, which includes eyeglasses for local school kids, Christmas baskets for local families, hosting the local office of The Bridge – Children’s Advocacy Center, local scholarships, continued park improvements, and monetary support for other local charities.

For more information, contact Lion Ashlee Estlack at ashlee.estlack@clarendoncollege.edu or 806-874-4808, Lion Jacob Fangman at 806-874-3556, or Lion Roger Estlack at or 806-874-2259.

Johnson named MVP in District 2-2A

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By Sandy Anderberg

These Broncos were named to the All-District team for the 2016-17 basketball season, Keandre Cortez, Colt Wood, Chance Lockhart, Marshal Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Bryce Grahn. Lockhart, Johnson, and Grahn were also named to the Academic All-District and All-State teams as well.

Senior Marshal Johnson was rewarded for his hard work and dedication this season as he was named the District Most Valuable Player according to head coach Brandt Lockhart.  Johnson had a big part in the success of the Broncos this season in the regular season and post-season play.  He was also named to the 2A TABC All-Region and State Teams.

Fellow senior Bryce Grahn was named the Defensive MVP for District 2-2A for his outstanding defensive play.  Grahn demonstrated his defensive awareness each game during the season and the playoffs.  He was also named to the 2A TABC All-Region Team.  Joining Johnson and Grahn on the All-Region Team is senior Chance Lockhart.  Lockhart has been a solid player for four years at CHS and has been the go-to man for the three ball all season.  He was also named to the All-District Team.  All three seniors were named to the Academic All-District and All-State Teams as well.

Junior Colt Wood is another player that has been named to the All-District Team.  Wood’s play on the court has been solid as well and he will be back for one more season with the Broncos.  Bear Smith and Keandre Cortez were named as Honorable Mentions for the All-District Team.

All these young men have represented their school, community and sport well during this 2016-17-basketball season.

Lady Broncos name All-District players

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These Lady Broncos were named to the All-District Basketball Team Hannah Howard, Jensen Hatley, Brianna Ballard, Hannah Hommel, Berkeley Alexander, and Emily Johnson. Not shown, Shaelyn Owiti.

Brianna Butler and Shaelyn Owiti have been named to the All-District Basketball Team according to coach Korey Conkin.

Butler and Owiti, who are seniors, were responsible for the success the Lady Broncos had this season on the basketball court. Berkeley Alexander and Jensen Hatley were named as Honorable Mentions for the season and were also a big part of that success.

Alexander, Hatley, Hannah Howard, and Emily Johnson were named to the Academic All-District Team for their accomplishments in the classroom.

Broncos ride huge fifth inning against SJ

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Bronco baseball team outlasted San Jacinto last week and earned a 4-3 win at home. A big fifth inning for the Broncos turned the game around and a run in the sixth secured the win.

The Broncos used three pitchers to get by SJ starting out with Josh Cobb on the mound. Cobb threw for five innings in the game, posting two runs, five hits, and six strikeouts. Koetting also pitched in the game and struck out two, allowed only one run and zero hits. Andy Davis finished for the Broncos and earned the save. Nick Shadle, Nathan Shadle, Koetting, Davis, and Chance Lockhart all posted hits to aid the Broncos in their win.

On Friday, the Broncos stomped Kress 30-3 after finishing the third inning in a 3-3 tie. Pitcher Kade Hunsaker threw for four innings and got the win. While on the mound, Hunsaker was hit three times for three runs and struck out nine.

Clarendon’s fourth inning was a scoring frenzy with them scoring 21 runs. The Kangaroos committed several errors that resulted in runs, but the Broncos’ bats were on fire as well. Cobb was a big hitter in the game and finished with two doubles and four runs. Hunsaker had a triple and single driving in four runs, Nathan Shadle and Davis each singled and posted runs, and Chance Lockhart slammed a double that drove in two runs.

The Broncos will play Memphis on Friday, March 24, at 4:00 p.m. and travel to Nazareth on Tuesday, March 28, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Lady Broncos slam Gruver

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos’ softball season is underway and they are currently 6-5 for the year and 2-2 in District play. They took on Gruver last week and defeated them 17-4.

Briley Chadwick was on the mound and according to head coach Gary Jack Chadwick did an outstanding job. Offensively, she was on fire as well and slammed a two-run homerun over the fence to help the ladies to the win.

“This was our best overall game so far,” Jack said. “Briley did a good job for us and several of the girls had big hits.” Jack credited Allyson Hogan, Hannah Hommel, Jensen Hatley, Zaryia Smith, and Emily Johnson with smashing the ball from the plate. “We played good defense and hit the ball well,” he said.

Earlier in the week, the ladies stumbled against Fritch and fell9-11. The Lady Broncos seemed to have the game in hand, but one bad inning allowed Fritch to get back into the game and get the win. “We had them down by six or seven runs,” Jack said. “We let this one slip away from us.”

Jack felt the ladies played good despite the loss.

“Briley pitched well for us,” he said. “And Hannah, Allyson, and Zaryia hit the ball well. Zaryia made some good catches and Madi Gay played good defense.”

The Lady Broncos will host Booker on Friday, March 24, at 4:00 p.m. And travel to Memphis on Tuesday, March 28.

Broncos take 2nd at state

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By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos closed out a stellar season Saturday, finishing as the Class 2A Runners-Up at the State Tournament, defeating Thorndale in the semi-finals Friday before losing to Muenster in the championship game.

The squad, led by four outstanding seniors, was a team made up of very unselfish players who all year looked down the road to San Antonio. The state championship was in their sight the entire season and they, along with the coaching staff, played every game with intensity and determination.

It was Clarendon’s first semi-final appearance since 2011, and the Broncos first time to play in the championship game since 1970.

In the post-championship game press conference Saturday, senior Bryce Grahn talked about the family relationship the team had and the absence of friend and teammate Riley Shadle, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a 2015 football game.

“We were very, very blessed. We put in a lot of hard work and a lot of hours – nights and mornings – that people don’t see,” Grahn said. “We’re thankful that our bodies are healthy and that God gave us an opportunity to do this. We have a friend at home who isn’t able to do this. Basketball is just a small piece of life. There’s a lot more after this. We were all very blessed to be here and have the community behind us.”

Coach Brandt Lockhart also said this Bronco team was unique for its closeness and having been together for many years.

“We’ve played 250 games probably since sixth grade,” Lockhart said. “This is a great group of kids. It’s a dream come true to get to come down here and play. All these guys brought us here.”

The semi-final game in San Antonio’s Alamodome on Friday, March 10, was exceptional in every way for the Broncos. Facing off against Thorndale, who was ranked 25th in the standings, the Broncos were on fire on both ends of the court.

Thorndale kept it close in the first quarter and even led by one early on. But the Broncos exploded in the second quarter and put the game out of reach for Thorndale. They led 39-16 at the half and never looked back and went on to win 59-35. They shot 43 percent from the field, 50 percent from the three-point line, and 38 percent from the free throw line.

At the buzzer, three players were in double figures and Bear Smith finished with a double double putting in 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Marshal Johnson led with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Chance Lockhart helped with 10 points. Colt Wood six, Damarjae Cortez five, Bryce Grahn 2, and Caton Grahn one. Grahn added five rebounds, Wood and Lockhart each added four, Keandre Cortez had two, and D. Cortez grabbed one.

The Broncos went into the championship game very confident after their huge win. Muenster was ranked number one for most of the season, but the Broncos were determined. However, cold shooting plagued the Broncos and they fell short at 45-73.

Muenster jumped out to the early lead and led by 10 at the break. Despite struggling, the Broncos were still in the game. Colt Wood hit five three-pointers to help the Broncos stay close. The scoring in the second quarter was basically even and they were 80 percent from the three-point range. The Broncos were hoping for a momentum change in the second half, but they could not get anything rolling. Muenster’s height got the best of the Broncos and hindered their shots.

Despite the loss, the Broncos are an excellent team and they have had great successes this season. They were named District and Bi-District champs, Area and Regional champs, and State Runner-Up. It has been a great year. And their fellow Bronco Riley Shadle has not been far from their minds. Several of the Broncos noted that Riley has been a big part of their success and they credited him during the game at state.

Coach Lockhart knew he had a winning team. He stated that his kids have worked hard in the gym during practice and off times as well. According to Lockhart, the Broncos were dedicated and they wanted to win. They finished at 31-3 on the year and those losses came during the Bridgeport Tournament and the state championship game.

“It was a great year!” Lockhart said. “To be able to finish the year on the last day you can play… I have always wanted to coach on Championship Saturday. The players were awesome all year long, and I am so proud of them.”

Lockhart was also proud of the effort Alton Gaines gave during the season.

“Coach Gaines did an outstanding job assisting with the varsity as always,” he said. “The four seniors, Keandre Cortez, Chance Lockhart, Marshal Johnson, and Bryce Grahn did an outstanding job leading this team, and of course, Riley Shadle inspired us all. The whole team worked hard all season long. I am so proud to be State Runner-up.”

Scoring in the championship game: Wood 18, Johnson 11, Grahn five, Lockhart five, Smith four, and K. Cortez two.

Cash donations being sought for wildfire damages

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Wildfires that ravaged the eastern and northern Panhandle regions last week have spurred an outpouring of donations from around the state and nation to help ag producers in a time of crisis.

Danny Nusser, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regional program leader in Amarillo, said late last week that hay donations have been received to cover ranchers’ needs for the time being.

“We want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support of hay and feed in the last 5 days,” Nusser said. “We are now to a point at all of the supply points to focus our effort towards delivery of the donated feed and hay to producers in the country. We feel like we will have ample supply of feed and hay to meet the ranchers needs for 2-3 weeks.”

The greatest needs going forward, Nusser said, are monetary donations to the accounts supporting ranchers needs in the future.

Driven by high winds and dry conditions, Panhandle wildfires burned almost 500,000 acres, killed four people and many head of livestock, and caused millions of dollars in property damage, including critical infrastructure like fences.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a State of Disaster in Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts, and Wheeler counties, and the State of Texas has asked the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a Secretarial Disaster Designation to activate the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Loan Program to help eligible farmers and ranchers rebuild and recover from losses sustained by the wildfires.

“Last week’s wildfires have had a devastating impact on a significant portion of the Texas Panhandle,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans have always been resilient in their response to disasters and this time will be no different. Cecilia and I thank the first responders who are working tirelessly to help all those affected, and we continue to ask that all Texans keep the Panhandle community and the families of the victims of this disaster in their thoughts and prayers.”

For those interested in donating, a public service announcement with important information is on page 10 of this week’s Enterprise. For general questions about relief efforts, call 806-677-5628.

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