Volunteer service
Archives for May 2017
PEAK donation
Ward retiring after 43 years
By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise
Hedley’s Carole Ward has spent a lifetime caring for others as a nurse, teacher, and nurse practitioner. Now after 43 years, she’s ready for a rest and will retire Friday, May 25.
As a student at Hedley High, Ward remembers that a nursing recruiter visited the school and sparked her interest in health care.
“I just felt like it was the best fit for me,” Ward said.
Time proved that to be true. Ward graduated and went to work as a Registered Nurse in 1974, earned her bachelor’s degree in 1983, and then went back to school a third time to earn an Advanced Practice degree in 1995.
“I just kind of went back to school every ten years or so,” she says.
Her career started at the former Hall County Hospital where she worked her way up to the Director of Nurses position before she left the hospital to lead Clarendon College’s nursing program for five years. She worked in Memphis and Childress before becoming a nurse practitioner and opening the Clinic for Family Wellness in Memphis 11½ years ago.
“It’s been good,” Ward says of her time running her own clinic. “I’ve been blessed to have a good nurse and a good office manager.”
Ward’s nurse, Debra Guinn, has more than 20 years’ experience, and office manager Connie Murdock says she has been working in health care for 37 years. Both ladies have been with Ward since the clinic began.
Clarendon resident Nancy Kidd is one of Ward’s many patients who have fond feelings for Ward and her staff. She and her husband, Doug, have been seeing Ward since 2009.
“I like her honesty,” Kidd said. “I could always talk to her about whatever was going on and I would trust her answers.”
Kidd says she got teary eyed during her final visit to the clinic last week.
“I just hate to see her go,” Kidd said. “She wasn’t just my doctor; she was my friend.”
Looking back on her career, Ward says the time has flown but that she would do it all over again.
It’s been a long time, but it’s gone by fast,” she said. “I’ve been blessed to do it, and it’s been nice to be a benefit to people that you know.”
Ward says travel is likely in the future for her and her husband, Leon, who is also retired. She’s not fully retiring, however, and plans to continue giving people care with her bioidentical hormone therapy.
“I’ll take it easy and see what develops, but I still love what I do,” she said.
A reception for Ward will be held Thursday, May 25, from 3:30 to 5:30 at her clinic at 1645 N. 18th in Memphis.
Mulkey party is Saturday
The fifth annual Mulkey Block Party will be rocking downtown Clarendon this Saturday, May 27, from 6 to 10 p.m., and a special presentation is planned for inside the theatre.
The 100 block of Kearney Street will be closed starting Saturday morning as work begins to set up the stage and other amenities for the party.
The evening will be a night of dancing, kids’ games, and food and vendor booths in a fun-filled atmosphere to help support continued renovations of the 1946 Mulkey Theater.
The party begins at 6 p.m. as local singer/song-writer Rev. Black Flowers takes the stage to provide the opening live music before Amarillo’s most highly rated band, “Insufficient Funds,” comes on at 7 p.m.
During the band’s intermission that evening, the crowd will be asked to convene inside the Mulkey where Dusty and Nikki Green will premiere a new documentary.
The Greens, Howardwick residents who star in the national PBS series “Two for the Road,” interviewed local residents for the basis of “Cinema City,” which tells the story of Clarendon’s Mulkey Theatre.
There is no charge to enter the block party. Kids movies will be showing in the theatre throughout the evening, and popcorn and other concessions will be available in the Mulkey. People are encouraged to bring their own lawn or camp chairs for use either inside watching movies or outside to enjoy the live music.
The Whistle-Stop Trade Days along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Bronco Cheerleaders will provide a large bounce house for kids to enjoy.
Food booths run the gamut of everything from baked goods to sliders, and local vendors will also have items for sale.
The Herring Bank car and motorcycle show will be held again on the bank’s parking lot, and all year models are welcome.
For more information about this year’s block party, contact the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421.
Sign-up deadline is Friday for annual garage sale event
The sign-up period for Clarendon’s 12th annual “Trash To Treasures” garage sale event closes this Friday, May 26, at 5 p.m.
A wide participation is expected again for this year’s sale, which is slated for Saturday, June 3. Garage sales in Hedley, Howardwick, and the surrounding area are also welcome to sign up for the big day.
Residents who wish to participate in this year’s “Trash To Treasures” are asked to come by the Enterprise before 5 p.m. on Friday, May 26, to sign up for the promotion.
For just $25, each household will get a 50-word advertisement in the Big-E Classifieds and the exclusive “Trash To Treasures” garage sale signs. In addition, the Enterprise will print a map indicating the location of each sale and will promote the event with area ads.
“The more people who have garage sales during Trash To Treasures, the better everyone will do,” Enterprise publisher Roger Estlack said. “The sign-up fee covers the cost of area advertising, so we can reach more people and have better attendance if we have a larger number of sales.”
The City of Clarendon requires all garage sales to be permitted. There is no charge for the permit, but City Hall asks all Trash To Treasures participants to get a copy of the city’s rules governing garage sales.
For more information, call 874-2259.
CC Regents approve 12-month faculty renewals
The Clarendon College Board of Regents approved renewing 13 faculty members who work on 12-month schedules during their regular meeting May 18.
Those faculty members renewed were Jay Anders, welding; Missing Billings, cosmetology; Erinn Campbell, cosmetology; Brent Childers, industrial maintenance; Jana Coats, cosmetology; Betty Couch, nursing; Raylynn Cruz, cosmetology; Dr. Rodney Donahue, theatre; Kaylynn Fasholtz, nursing; Bret Franks, ranch horse/rodeo; Alicia Hunter, nursing; Mandy Poole, intro to nursing; and Tommie Ray, cosmetology.
Regents also ratified the hiring of Donnie Chambless as the Director of Maintenance and acknowledged the resignations of Gabby Gloria, student life coordinator; Connor McKowen, assistant livestock judging coach; Garner Small, assistant men’s basketball coach; and nursing instructor Joanne Genn.
In other college business, the board welcomed Edwin Campbell as its newest member as he received the oath of office. Campbell was appointed last month to fill the term of the late Delbert Robertson.
Regents approved a plan for improvements to the Deyhle House as presented by chairman Jerry Woodard.
In his president’s report, Dr. Robert Riza updated the board on the college’s current strategic plan, which he said includes 62 individual items. Eight of those, he said, are ongoing efforts but the remainder have all been completed, and the administration is now planning for the next strategic plan.
It was reported that Dr. Riza has been nominated by the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Higher Education Coordinating Board to a committee looking at formula funding for community and technical colleges.
The board approved a motion to hold its June meeting in Pampa and its July meeting in Childress.
Editorial: City should okay request by Allsup’s
The Clarendon City Council should approve a variance request for Allsup’s Convenience Stores after it holds a public hearing next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The company, which has been in business here for more than 40 years, is in contract to buy a large tract of land on US 287 and says it plans to invest $2.6 million to develop a larger nicer store.
So what’s the problem with that? Allsup’s sells beer and wine, and the new store location is right across the street from the Clarendon public schools, specifically the backside of Bronco Stadium. Unfortunately, city ordinance prohibits establishments from selling alcohol within 300 feet of a church or a school. A business can ask for a variance on this issue, and Allsup’s has done just that.
The request from Allsup’s has led to naysaying and fearmongering from Clarendon’s usual Prophet of Doom, who once predicted that we would have drunken bums sleeping in Prospect Park and a host of other maladies if we legalized the sale of alcohol in this town. Now, we’re told that Allsup’s plans will attract transients, bums, and whores.
The biggest concern the Prophet and others say they have is safety. The proposed site for the new store is about a block and half west of its current location at US 287 and Koogle Street. This site is supposedly too dangerous because speeding traffic coming over the hill will cause accidents with vehicles pulling in and out of the new store.
It would be a crying shame if we had to slow traffic in this town. TxDOT and law enforcement certainly have it in their power to do that… if it really is a concern. But where was all this worry when Best Western, Sonic, Dollar General, and Pizza Hut were built across the highway from this site?
In all honesty though, safety would not even be on anybody’s radar if it wasn’t for the alcohol issue. If someone wanted to build a hotel or a McDonald’s on that property, everything would be just hunky-dory. But propose something – anything – that wants to sell beer, and some people will just lose their freaking minds.
The next supposed problem is that this new store will somehow send “mixed messages” to the children at Clarendon ISD, which tries to promote a strong anti-drug/anti-alcohol theme. The school board even approved a resolution opposed to the city granting Allsup’s variance request.
The school board might want to keep in mind that a $2.6 million improvement will generate a significant amount of tax revenue for the school. And here’s a news flash for the school and the naysayers… the school kids go to Allsup’s every day already. So what difference will it really make? None.
People concerned about the new Allsup’s location have also been quick to suggest other more desirable, in their opinions, locations for the store. The Prophet himself has even suggested one location that is outside the city limits and would bring no sales or property tax revenue to the city, but it is just about as far away from the children as you can get. Ultimately, the location of a new Allsup’s store ought to be up to Allsup’s and whoever is selling the property. It’s a business decision. Likewise, what happens to Allsup’s current property is for that company to determine.
It’s important to point out that a majority of people in Clarendon want to see businesses grow and thrive here. Your editor firmly believes that most people want to welcome Allsup’s and appreciate the firm’s willingness to invest literally millions of dollars in this community.
The City Council must look at the big picture in this case. Allsup’s new store will mean more property taxes, more sales taxes, and more jobs. It will also further the image that positive things are happening in this community… just like in the case of the new Family Dollar, the Buckin’ Bean, the Whistle-Stop, and other developments. Many other communities our size don’t have these things going on. It’s a sign of progress. That’s what this really means for Clarendon, and that’s why the variance should be approved – because business expansion is good for our city.
Beyond this instance, the council also needs to consider that highway frontage in this town is limited. The distance requirements on establishments selling alcohol are potentially limiting on development and therefore should be abolished altogether. Alcohol sales should be allowed anywhere along the 287 corridor and in the central business district. There shouldn’t have to be a fight every time someone wants to put in a business that sells beer or wine.
Clarendon must be open and welcoming to development. The fate of Allsup’s request will determine the message that we send to other potential businesses.
Broncos fall to WTH in Regional Quarterfinals
By Sandy Anderberg
The Broncos’ stellar post season was cut short last weekend as they fell in three games to number five ranked West Texas.
The first game was played Friday night at Amarillo High, and the Broncos were defeated 7-8 The Broncos led most of the game with Kade Hunsaker on the mound, but the Comanches rallied back in the sixth inning. Clarendon was up 7-1 until the fifth when WT put three runs on the board to cut into the big lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Broncos had their opponent just where they wanted them, with two outs. But bases were loaded, and the hitter found an opening in right field that scored all four runs.
On Saturday, the Broncos were ready to avenge their loss from the night before. After a back and forth game with six lead changes, the Broncos dug in deep to get the 9-8 win.
WT was on the board first and took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. But Clarendon got back in it and worked hard to get the win. In the bottom of the seventh, Josh Cobb and Nick Shadle got on base with singles. Hunsaker came up to bat and hit a deep ball to left center, which allowed Cobb and Shadle to put two on the board for the win. Cobb, Andy Davis, and Hunsaker all had multiple hits for the Broncos.
Game three was the deciding game for the series. The Broncos struggled to find their rhythm and were defeated 1-5 allowing WT to earn the Regional Quarterfinals trophy.
The Broncos’ lone run came in the second inning. WT put their final run on the board in the fifth, but Clarendon was not able to answer.
“I was really proud of how these kids fought every pitch of every game during the playoffs,” coach Brad Elam said. “We had five one-run games out of the last six. We came from behind to win three games and had a walk off double in game two against WT. I would have liked to still be playing, but I can’t say enough about how hard these kids played. They never gave up even when behind.
“We had many people say they have never seen anything like what we just went through. We definitely gave the fans their money’s worth. Everyone experienced all ranges of emotions and we will take with us many, many good memories.”
The Broncos finished their 2017 season 23-3-1.
CHS recognized for student success
Clarendon High School announced last week that it has been selected by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE) as one of 727 public schools in Texas to receive the title of 2016 Honor Roll school.
The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight successful practices that improve outcomes for students. Schools receiving this distinction from leaders in the Texas academic and business communities have demonstrated consistent high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time and reduction in achievement gaps among student populations. For High Schools, the Honor Roll recognition also includes measures of college readiness. The Honor Roll is comprised of two different awards, the “Star Schools” Award and “Scholar Schools” Award.
Star Schools are those with significant populations of socio-economically disadvantaged students that have shown a significant increase in grade-level proficiency over time. Scholar Schools are schools that are showing significant levels of academic achievement, but do not have a significant socio-economically disadvantaged student population.
“We are so proud to be recognized by education and business leaders in Texas as an Honor Roll School District,” said Larry Jeffers, school principal. “Our teachers work tirelessly to keep the focus on high expectations and student academic achievement and to continuously improve our practices. This hard work and dedication is paying off for all of our students, no matter their background.”
“These Honor Roll schools are clearly improving outcomes for their students, as the academic data show,” said Charles Miller, chairman of IPE. “The next step is to understand how their educational productivity then translates to economic productivity. To do this, we must link academic and financial data to measure educational funding vs. student outcomes. Our economy will thrive when we are boosting student achievement without spending more – that is to say, when we are getting the biggest bang for our education buck.”
“Many schools across the country are doing well, even those with high numbers of historically disadvantaged students,” said Jim Lanich, ERP President and CEO. “The Honor Roll proves that all schools, no matter what zip code they are in, can achieve this kind of success. School and school district leaders have a great opportunity to find out what’s working at these Honor Roll schools and replicate it.”
The Texas Honor Roll program is made possible by generous support from numerous businesses and organizations including the Texas Business Leadership Council, American Automobile Association (AAA) Texas, Macy’s, Wells Fargo, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, and several private foundations. Chevron Corporation provides support for the STEM Honor Roll.
Car accident claims life of Hedley girl
A Hedley Junior High student lost her life Saturday, May 6, in a two-vehicle accident one mile west of the community.
Funeral services for 12-year-old Kylie Allison Monroe were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Kirk Watson, Rev. Matthew Stidham, and Rev. Anthony Knowles officiating. Interment followed in the Rowe Cemetery near Hedley with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors.
Department of Public Safety Trooper Lynn Mays said Monroe’s mother, Katherine Monroe, age 43, was traveling eastbound on US 287 at about 6 p.m. Saturday in a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier when she slowed her vehicle to turn left at the crossover near the family’s fruit stand.
Erika Roberts, 34, of Amarillo, was driving a 2016 Jeep Renegade directly behind Monroe. She failed to control her speed and crashed into the rear end of the Cavalier.
Kylie Monroe, traveling in the backseat of the Cavalier, was pronounced dead on scene by Donley County Justice of the Peace Pam Mason.
Mrs. Monroe and a 10-year-old female front seat passenger from Anson were air-lifted to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, where they were treated and released.
Roberts’ vehicle caught fire after the crash. She was able to get out of the vehicle and was not injured.
“This is a case of driver inattention,” Trooper Mays said. “Roberts appears to have been going highway speed, 70 to 75 miles per hour, and a witness confirmed she was not speeding.”
Mays said all occupants involved in the crash were wearing seat belts. The road conditions were dry and no other vehicles were involved.
The accident remains under investigation, and no charges had been filed as of Monday. An autopsy was ordered in the case.
Responding to the scene were the Clarendon and Hedley fire departments, Associated Ambulance Authority, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Donley County Sheriff’s Office.
Hedley School Principal Reida Penman said Monroe was a sixth grader and played on the junior high basketball team.
Hedley ISD brought in a crisis team from the Region 16 Education Service Center Monday to meet with students and teachers in small groups, and the school canceled classes Wednesday.
Reader Comments