Archives for October 2017

A Duncanville woman lost her life Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle accident on US 287 at Ashtola.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sgt. Cindy Barkley reported that the accident happened at approximately 2:10 p.m. when Samuel Williams, 53, of Lenoir City, Tenn., was driving a 2017 Freightliner truck tractor/semi-trailer west on US-287 approximately 11 miles west of Clarendon.

Donna Mays, 71, was driving a 2006 Ford Focus east on US-287 and rapidly approached a pickup truck traveling east in the same lane in front of her. The driver of the pickup truck had the hazard lights activated and was escorting slow moving farm equipment. She took evasive action to avoid colliding into the rear of the pickup truck and lost control of her vehicle. May’s vehicle traveled across the center median into the westbound lane and crashed head on into the into the truck tractor. Both vehicles caught fire and were completely destroyed.

Mays was pronounced dead on scene by Donley County Justice of the Peace Pam Mason.

Williams and his passenger, Geneva Williams, 53, of Lenoir City, Tenn., were able to exit the vehicle. They were both transported to the hospital in Amarillo where they were treated and released.

Samuel Williams and Geneva Williams stated they were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. It is unknown if Mays was wearing a seat belt due to the extensive damage to her vehicle.

The crash is still under investigation, Barkley said.

The Sandell Drive-In will be getting some national attention next weekend when Amazon Prime Video sponsors a double feature at the theatre as part of its Grand Tour Drive-In Takeover on Saturday, November 4.

As part of the promotion, local and area folks will get to enjoy free admission and free food as well as other giveaways during the evening.

The Grand Tour is a fun traveling car show that follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they spend more than 100 days across five continents, testing out the world most exotic cars attempting to avoid any further mishaps and injury along the way.

The Grand Tour Drive-In Takeover is a double feature event featuring one episode of the hit Amazon Prime Exclusive series, The Grand Tour, and The Italian Job motion picture.

Sandell managers say the Clarendon drive-in is the only Texas drive-in featured on The Grand Tour, which will bring its own take on the classic drive-in movie theatre experience in six states. Fans of all ages will be thrilled by a double-feature screening of a classic car film and an episode from the hit series. A must-see for families, guests will be welcomed by a custom built-out marquee sign (perfect for taking photos), gifted branded blankets, air fresheners, and snacks from the concession stand as they enter this immersive drive-in experience.

Season two of The Grand Tour starts streaming December 9 on Amazon Prime Video. Season 1 is now available on Prime. Gates open for the Drive-In Takeover next Saturday at 6 p.m.

The ninth annual Clarendon Arts Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, at the Donley County Activity Center one mile north of the city on State Hwy. 70.

Organizers have been working all week setting up displays and taking entries for the festival, which will also feature Junior Art exhibits by students from Kindergarten through high school.
The event, sponsored by Clarendon’s Les Beaux Arts Club, opens to the public this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Live musical entertainment is being provided during the day Saturday by Micah Talley of Happy, Joel Louis of Clarendon, and Jesse Lincycomb of Howardwick.

The VFW Auxiliary will provide concessions during the day Saturday, including stew and chili with cornbread for lunch.

Saturday evening the Preferred Buyers Reception will be held from 6:00 to 9:00, where buyers will be delighted with the variety being offered at the Clarendon Arts Festival this year. Anyone is welcome at the reception; and if you haven’t already pre-paid as a preferred buyer, you can pay that night at the door.

Along with the large selection of art being offered, buyers enjoy the heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by the ladies of Les Beaux Arts Club.

The Arts Festival resumes Sunday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Those attending the 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 2017 Clarendon Arts Festival is sponsored by the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation and Hotel Occupancy Tax, and Donley County Activity Center. With all the fine art and crafts showing here this weekend, everyone should be able to find a unique gift or treasure.

For exhibit guidelines or other arts festival information, contact Chriss Cummins-Clifford at 806-206-6767.