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Archives for January 2021

2021 State of the City of Clarendon

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On behalf of the City Council and all City employees, we wish everyone a Happy New Year. We are pleased that 2020 has come and gone as it was a year like no other. COVID-19 required all of us to adjust our lives in many ways in order to avoid the virus and to minimize spreading it to others. Fortunately, COVID vaccines are on the way and should be available to all of us over the next several months. During that time, citizens are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Mayor Sandy Skelton

City officials especially thank the Associated Ambulance Authority; the employees of Clarendon Family Medical Center; Devah Pittman, PA; and County Judge John Howard, MD, for their excellent care and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe them our gratitude for their exceptional care that is not available in many other rural communities.

Despite the pandemic overshadowing our personal lives, the City Council continues to address community needs.

Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure projects are usually not popular, especially if they are not visible to citizens, but they cannot be neglected for too many years as the neglect has a negative effect on the community. The recent water pipe replacement project was certainly needed as most of the old cast iron water pipes had been in place for as much as 75 years. The city was experiencing leaks on a frequent basis, and the quality of water was not satisfactory in some parts of town.

Fortunately, the water pipe replacement project is quickly coming to an end. Because the project has caused a considerable amount of disruption over the past two years, the City Council wants to thank citizens for their patience and understanding. The project is expected to be completed in late January or early February.

Since the water pipe replacement project will end soon, the City Council will begin discussions in January about the condition of our streets. Water drainage and paving will be a major part of that discussion. Water is the main contributor of damage, such as potholes and cracks, to streets; therefore, proper water drainage is vital before laying down new paving.

Our discussions will include the possibility of hiring a civil engineer to survey certain sections of town in relation to drainage, to identify the most traveled streets in town, and to determine which streets are in most need of repair or paving. Discussions also will include the type of sub-base needed to support new paving, the quality and thickness of asphalt to be used, and, of course, the projected costs for the overall project. It is likely that the City Council will want to conduct a town-hall meeting to discuss the condition of our streets, what the various options and costs would be for major improvements, and whether we should have a bond-election to determine if a paving project is desired by citizens. More information will be forthcoming in the next month or two about these issues.

Another infrastructure project, installing new wastewater/sewer lift stations, is currently in the planning stage. The City Council recently approved a grant application for such improvements; and according to the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, Clarendon stands a good chance of being funded. Lift stations are needed in order to move wastewater from a lower to higher elevation due to insufficient gravity flow. Currently, the City has two lift stations that are both old and outdated.

One additional infrastructure project the City Council will discuss at its January 14 meeting is applying for a downtown revitalization grant. Applications are due no later than May 3, 2021. Successful applications would receive up to $350,000 with a local match of $52,000. Improvements to our downtown area could include new sidewalks, handicap ramps and rails, proper drainage, and lighting. City officials are optimistic that our grant would be approved since Clarendon has never received these types of funds. Downtown property owners and other citizens will be kept informed over the next several weeks regarding the status of our application.

Clarendon Aquatic Center
After years of successful fundraising and 1.5 years of construction, the pool was completed in December 2020. A curb and gutter as well as a handicap sidewalk are currently being constructed on the west side of the pool (across the street from the post office). Additionally, the parking area directly south of the bathhouse will be paved in early 2021. The shallow area of the pool consists of a splash pad, underwater bubblers, toddler slide, helio spray, water bench, dump bucket trio and zero-depth entry. The deeper area includes a diving board, climbing wall, a basketball goal, a volleyball net, three lap lanes, and a handicap entry. To complement the pool is a bathhouse with bathrooms and showers, admissions office and concessions as well as several large sunshades, tables and benches.

Special thanks go to our numerous donors (an anonymous benefactor, individuals, families, businesses, ranches, foundations, the Clarendon EDC, Donley County Commissioners Court and Texas Parks and Wildlife), as well as to A&S General Contractors (Amarillo) for overseeing the project, to Gold Medal Pools (Frisco) for construction of the pool, and to Waters Edge (Kansas City) for project design.
Grand opening of the aquatic center is tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 29-31, 2021.

High-Speed Internet Access
A representative from Texas Rural Funders recently attended a City Council meeting to discuss the possibility of improving and expanding high-speed internet connection to Donley County. Council members were told that Donley and Wheeler counties have been deemed counties in need of improving their broadband access. In a recent Connected Nation article, our own County Attorney Landon Lambert said “we must take action now to improve access to high-speed internet for everyone. All of us have experienced why this is so important – from kids having to do classroom work at home to the need for telehealth services for our most vulnerable populations.” Council members were told that the first step in the process is for Donley County citizens to complete an on-line survey describing how good or bad their access is and what they are currently paying for internet (apparently the panhandle of Texas has some of the highest internet costs in the country).

The City Council is urging Donley County citizens to take the short survey as soon as possible but no later than January 20 by going to https://myconnectedcommunity.org/donley-county/. Or just google “Connected Nation Donley County Texas.” Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

City Budget/Personnel
The City has finished each of the last five fiscal years in the black (revenue over expense); as a result, we have been able to put a significant amount of funds in reserves (to be used for future projects, emergencies, etc.) The current Operating Budget is $2,646,330 (fiscal year ending September 30, 2021). We have 20 employee positions (12 full-time and 8 part-time). Supervisors are David Dockery, City Administrator; Machiel Covey, City Secretary; John Molder, Public Works Director; Grett Betts, Code Compliance Officer; Jerri Shields, Librarian; Tommy Waldrop, Municipal Judge; and Jeremy Powell, Fire Chief.

City Council
Mayor Sandy Skelton, Mayor Pro-Tem Jacob Fangman, Alderman Larry Jeffers, Alderman Eulaine McIntosh, Alderman John Lockhart and Alderman Nathan Floyd continue to conduct city business in a professional and forward-thinking manner and are committed to making improvements to our town. The Council meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday. City Administrator David Dockery can be reached at 806-673-4500 and Mayor Skelton at 806-206-7506.

The Council expresses genuine appreciation to all citizens in our community for choosing to live in Clarendon, for shopping locally, and for supporting various events throughout the year.

Once again, Happy New Year to you and your family.

First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive here

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Clarendon Family Medical Center received its initial allocation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday afternoon and began administering the doses in accordance with Texas Department of State Health Services prioritization, beginning with health care workers.
Donley County Judge John Howard, MD, received the first immunization at the clinic. Health care workers and vulnerable residents such as senior citizens are first priority in distributing the vaccine.

Marsha Bruce administers the Clarendon Family Medical Center’s first COVID-19 dose to Donley County Judge John Howard, MD, Tuesday afternoon. Courtesy Photo

“There is currently more demand than supply,” Howard told the Enterprise, “but more vaccine should become available in the weeks to come. If interested, get your name on the waiting list.”

Clinic spokesperson Marsha Bruce also said immunizations will be given by appointment only.

CFMC received 100 doses of the vaccine, but Bruce said about 150 people were already on the waiting list when the vaccine arrived.

Howard said Tuesday that those receiving the vaccine will have to have a second round of the immunization 28 days later.

For those who are still testing positive for COVID-19, the clinic is pursuing a new avenue to try to keep those patients from getting as sick as in the past.

“CFMC is also working with our Associated Ambulance Authority to begin administration of monoclonal antibodies to appropriate patients in an attempt to prevent illness from becoming severe enough to require hospitalization,” Howard said. “We are fortunate to have talented and capable medical professionals here.”

The vaccines cannot come soon enough, however, as Bruce said a new surge is coming in the number of positive cases in the county.

“We are seeing this week a new wave of sick folks following the Christmas break,” Bruce said.

The number of actives cases under the care of the local clinic was 17 on Tuesday afternoon.

Bruce said the clinic has now conducted 1,045 tests since the pandemic began with 731 negatives and 315 positives.

With the known cases of Donley County residents who have tested positive at other locations, the total number of confirmed local cases is now 358.

That’s up from 314 total positives when the Enterprise last reported COVID numbers on December 15 before the Christmas break.

Congress overrides veto of Thornberry defense bill

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By Abby Livingston, Texas Tribune

In a rare holiday week vote, members of the US House returned to Washington on December 28 to override President Trump’s veto of a bill that handles the budget and spending of the Department of Defense. The Senate followed suit on New Year’s Day to confirm the first Congressional veto override of the Trump administration.

The National Defense Authorization Act is a $740 billion bill that dates back to 1961 it is one of the few annual bipartisan pieces of legislation left in Congress. House Democrats named this year’s NDAA in honor of a Texas Republican, US Rep. Mac Thornberry of Clarendon. Thornberry is a former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and retired on January 3.

Even though it easily passed the House and the Senate earlier this month, Trump followed through on a long-threatened veto last Wednesday, complaining most frequently about a provision that would begin the process of renaming military bases named for Confederate leaders and for not including a repeal of a liability shield for internet companies.

Thornberry advocated December 28 for the bill in one of his final appearances – if not his last appearance – on the US House floor.

“I continue to support this bill, as more than 80 percent of the House did just 20 days ago,” he said. “It’s the exact same bill. Not a comma has changed.”

“The president has exercised his constitutional prerogative now…It’s up to up to us,” he added. “Our troops the country, indeed the world is watching to see what we will do, whether we can tune out other differences and still come together to support the men and women of the military and American national security.”

This is the first time Congress has overridden a Trump veto, which involves two-thirds of each chamber voting in favor of the vetoed legislation.

In the Senate, like most of his colleagues, US Sen. John Cornyn also backed the NDAA.

US Sen. Ted Cruz was one of 13 other senators to vote against the NDAA earlier in December and voted against overriding the president. The state’s junior senator cited a litany of reasons at the time that included the Confederate base naming issue and the internet liability shield.

Texas House Republicans who voted against the override included: US Reps. Jodey Arrington of Lubbock, Brian Babin of Woodville, Michael Burgess of Lewisville, Michael Cloud of Victoria, Lance Gooden of Terrell, Louie Gohmert of Tyler, Chip Roy of Austin and Randy Weber of Friendswood.

Roy indicated on Twitter his logic in voting against an override was rooted in giving a chief executive to bring troops home from Afghanistan.

Trump has spent much of this year lobbying to repeal that legal provision – known as Section 230 – which Congress passed in the early days of the Internet in order to shield online companies from liability over the content users post.

Many Republican officeholders allege social media companies are biased against conservatives, and they argue that repealing Section 230 would be a means to combat this perceived inequity. Trump’s ire at the language escalated earlier this year when Twitter began to add fact check language to his false tweets.

A number of officeholders – even those who might agree with this position – complain that discussions around commerce belong in other legislation, not a sweeping, traditionally bipartisan bill that addresses funding the armed services.

Local youth to exhibit animals this Saturday

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COVID-19 safety protocols will be in force when the Donley County Junior Livestock Show is held at the Donley County Activity Center this Saturday, January 9, 2021.

Donley County 4-H members Kyler and Brance Bell stand with their goats they will be exhibiting in this weekend’s Donley County Junior Livestock Show. Courtesy Photo

County Agent Leonard Haynes says the show will follow the CDC’s guidelines for stock shows, which means participants and those in attendance are encouraged to wear face coverings inside the building this weekend. Haynes said youth exhibitors may remove their masks while they are in the ring showing their animals.

The show board will not be limiting admission this weekend, Haynes said.

“We think attendance will be limited on its own just by people not wanting to get out,” he said.

Haynes also reports anyone wishing to purchase an animal or donate to the buyers’ club can do so by calling ahead of time at 874-2141.

Potential buyers can also request ahead of time to be called when a particular exhibitor’s animal is coming up for auction Saturday in order to participate in the auction via telephone.

Saturday’s show will begin at 9 a.m. with 51 local youth exhibiting 84 animals and representing the Donley County 4-H Club and the FFA chapters at Clarendon and Hedley high schools. The buyers’ dinner will be held at 6 p.m.

Showing for the Clarendon FFA will be Levi Gates, Laney Gates, Emily Gonzalez, Emberly Gonzalez, Darcy Grahn, Kasen Hatley, Calder Havens, Kynna Phillips, and Jodee Pigg.

Donley County 4-H members showing will be Brance Bell, Kyler Bell, Kelby Brownlee, Levi Gates, Laney Gates, Brock Hatley, Addison Havens, Grant Haynes, Parker Haynes, Colton Henson, Hudson Howard, Harrison Howard, Emily McCurdy, Grace McCurdy, Evelyn Mills, Jayton Moore, Kutter O’Keefe, Flint Pittman, Jaxon Robertson, Presley Smith, Madison Smith, Koyt Tucek, Fayde Turner, and Maloree Wann.

The Hedley FFA will be represented by Braden Bond, Joshua Booth, Mya Edwards, Taylee Ehler, Kaitin Ehlert, Tyler Harpe, Trigg Harper, Lane Hinton, Emma Lambert, Cara Lambert, Isabella Martinez, Danika Middleton, Madison Moore, Brandon Moore, Astin Santos, Javier Valles, Erik Weatherread, and lziak Weatherread.

New terms

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Donley County Judge John Howard (left) swears in newly elected officials January 1, 2021, at the Courthouse. Shown here are Constable Doug Wright, Sheriff Butch Blackburn, Precinct 3 Commissioner Neil Koetting, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mark White, and Tax Assessor/Collector Christy Christopher. Not pictured is County Attorney Landon Lambert. Courtesy Photo

Christmas wheels

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A Clarendon family received a new car just before Christmas thanks to Street Toyota in Amarillo. With donations from his employees, Joe Street provided cars to two area families who were associated with the Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Bryan Tolbert at the council office recommended one family in Amarillo and also the family of Rosa Olivas, who is a member of BSA Scout Troop 4433 in Clarendon. Rosa’s mother Stella was presented with the late model Toyota as well as a gift card for $500 on December 22. Shown here are Steven Mills, Linda Rowland, Evelyn Mills, Richard Lara of Street Toyota, Rosa Olivas, Stella Olivas, Haley Matlack of Street Toyota, Daniel Estlack, Nathan Estlack, and Scoutmaster Russell Estlack.Enterprise Photo / Scarlet Estlack

Joe Brian McCary

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Joe Brian McCary, age 56 of Clarendon, passed away on January 3, 2021, while visiting family in De Leon, Texas.

Joe Brian McCary

Brian was born in Fort Worth on March 6, 1964, to Clovis McCary and Gerry Hall.

He graduated in 1983 from Richland High School, and he married Lisa Witkowski on May 5, 1989. They had one son, Jacob King McCary, born October 29, 1990.

Brian was employed by Beck Plumbing for more than 20 years while accomplishing his journeyman license in plumbing from the State of Texas. He has been self-employed plumber in Clarendon for the last 20 years.

Brian was known and remembered by family for having a kind heart and a giving soul and having great physical strength. He loved Elvis Presley and his dogs, especially Abigail, Sam, and Buddy. His favorite pastime was watching movies. He was most proud of his son, Jacob King McCary, and his grandson, Austin McCary.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Tom Hall; a stepbrother, Mark Hall; parental grandparents, Henry and Lillie Mae McCary; and maternal grandparents, Vree and Naomi King.

He is survived by his son, Jacob King McCary; his grandson, Austin McCary of Clarendon; the mother of his son, Lisa Witkoski McCary of Fort Worth; his father Clovis McCary and wife Emily of Clarendon; his mother, Gerry Hall of De Leon; two sisters, Gwen McCary of Lubbock and April McCary Hampton and husband Jason of Amarillo; several nephews and nieces and great nephews; special friends Randy and Kellie Beck of Decatur and Shirley Osburn of Clarendon; and his fur baby, “Buddy.”

The family will honor his wishes to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Clarendon.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Meals on Wheels PO Drawer B, Clarendon TX 79226.

J.D. Skaggs

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Be good! What a simple phase, but J.D. Skaggs made it a way of life. Born in Wellington on November 1, 1931, he began a journey to being an unassuming giant of goodness. As a young child his parents, John Fenton Skaggs and Hattie Ophelia Plunkett Skaggs, moved the family to Hedley to farm a mountain of caliche. Hard ground and hard times made his brothers, Frank, John Edward, Harvey, Douglas Jr, and Billy Ray, tough enough to take care of their only sister Inez.

J.D. Skaggs

After leaving school he followed the lead of his brothers and joined the United States Army in 1952 and left the farm for the first time. He was stationed at Fort Sill and Fort Bliss as a fuel transportation technician when he was deployed to Korea where he served two deployments. In 1954, J.D. received an honorable discharge and returned to Hedley to help his parents on the farm. As fate would have it, he began to drive the bus for Hedley High School and met the love of his life, Nena Marie Hill, and began the next chapter promptly after her graduation. On June 4, 1955, Nena Marie Hill became Mrs. Skaggs and the story of the good man truly began.

You see he was always a family man. He cared for his brothers and sister. He cared for his parents. He cared for his friends and Army comrades. But his real show of love was with the births of his three daughters, Vicky, Kay, and Cheryl. He made a life around raising and nurturing his wife and family and surrounding them with love.

He worked as a mechanic for several years and earned a living by the sweat of his brow and the wiry strength of his hands. Some years later, he got a job as a John Deere tractor mechanic. It has been said that he bled green and yellow and many people began to believe that his name was just initials for John Deere as his name became synonymous with the brand.

He became the prevailing expert in the area and a highly respected diagnostician of ailing machinery. After retiring from John Deere, he began working for Donley County as an equipment operator. You see he had fixed every kind of piece of heavy equipment, but his real fascination was with the operating of the toys he repaired. He truly loved his work and the ability it gave him to provide for his family.

J.D. raised three beautiful daughters, and his face glowed when he talked about them just like he did when he talked about Marie. He was so proud of his ladies and he loved his extended family, which was always expanding. As each of his brothers and sister passed away J.D. would gather in their children and families. He was the consummate patriarch of his family and his arms always seemed long enough to wrap the whole brood in a hug. He loved his nieces and nephews, cousin and adopted children and always had a kind word, a hug and a smile for each and every one of them. When he became a grandfather his capacity to love exceeded all logic and expectation.

There are a million words to describe a man of few words. Words like gentle, kind, gracious, godly, understanding, compassionate, loyal, strong, and resilient don’t even begin to describe the man he was to the members of his family and friends. There was but one word; he was GOOD. In every sense of the word, he was good. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and prayed every day. He loved his church family, and his godly nature led him on the journey to genuine goodness.

He taught us all how to be good through his example, and we will always strain to reach the lofty standard he set for us. We will forever be challenged to uphold the legacy he worked so hard to instill in us. He became a hero, a mentor, a shoulder, a confidant, a helping hand, and stronghold of love for many of us throughout life. Therefore, in his memory we challenge each of you to uphold the standard of goodness you have been shown.

On December 28, 2020, at the age of 89, he finally received the reward he had been striving for so long and received his wings in glory.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, six brothers, one sister and the love of his life Nina Marie.

He is survived by his daughters Vicky Knowles and husband Anthony of Memphis, Kay Manuel and husband Gary of Memphis, and Cheryl Skaggs of Broken Arrow, Okla.; three grandsons, Josh Talley and wife Candace of Memphis, Matt Talley and wife Jessie of Hartley, and Dustin Knowles and wife Krista of Keller; seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A family lead memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Hedley on January 2, 2021. Graveside services followed in Rowe Cemetery.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Bobby Stephens

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Bobby Stephens, 78, of Lefors passed away, Monday, December 28, 2020, at home.

Bobby Stephens

Services were held on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Lefors with Rev. Mathew Honeycutt, pastor at First Baptist Church of Lefors, and Rev Ken Houston, pastor at Sunray Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Mr. Stephens was born September 6, 1942, in Memphis to John and Inez Skaggs Stephens. Bobby graduated from Hedley High School in 1961. He was a fireman with the Amarillo Fire Department for 15 years. Bobby started B&C Plumbing in Amarillo before joining Malcolm Hinkle Plumbing in Pampa to be near his love, Maxine Sanders. They were married on March 17, 1989, in Amarillo. In 1993, he started working in the maintenance department at TDCJ, retiring in 2003. Bobby enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending winters in the Rio Grande Valley. He also loved cooking out and spending time with his family, especially all his grandchildren. Bobby was a member at First Baptist Church of Lefors.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Gaye McGuire on January 31, 2017.

He is survived by wife, Maxine of the home; two daughters, Kimberly Powell and husband Jay of Tool and Connie Burnam and husband Rick of Hedley; nine grandchildren, Nathalie, Kristopher, Sarah, Kyle, Bradley, Patricia, Amber, Timber, and Tamra; 15 great-grandchildren and a great great-grandson.

Memorials can be made to BSA Hospice of the Southwest, 5211 SW 9th Ave., Suite 100, Amarillo, Texas 79106, or Panfork Baptist Encampment, 4530 CR 210, Wellington, TX 79095.

Sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.

Maxine Talley Robinson

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Maxine Talley Robinson, 81 of Clarendon, passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord on December 21, 2020.

Maxine Talley Robinson

Maxine was born June 1, 1939, in Ashtola to Wanna Mae and Emery Talley. The eldest of three children, Maxine was ever in the role of caretaker as well as big sister. While most of her growing up years were in Donley County, where she developed a love of the outdoors, cattle, and animals of all kinds, the family briefly moved to Odessa, where she formed a lifelong bond with her best friend, Bonnie Lewis. This bond of childhood friendship lasted more than 70 years until her passing.

Maxine was active in the family’s farming and cattle business with her taking an important role as she and her husband, Don, traveled to Canada, California, Arizona, Missouri, and many other destinations throughout the US marketing, showing, and hauling cattle. Ever a person who loved the outdoors, Maxine often helped with the crops as well.

Maxine’s love for the Lord is evidenced by her willingness to bring others to Christ. She can be credited with sparking the desire for baptism in many in the community and in her family. Maxine leaves behind a great legacy as each and every one of her children and her grandchildren are followers of Christ. As a Bible school teacher or one willing to bring food to the sick or bereaved or readily drive someone to Amarillo for doctor’s visits, Maxine truly had a servant’s heart. Possibly, she will be best known in her family for encouraging her family to study the Bible. As she always said, the Lord wants a portion of your time and studying his word every day is the best way.

Maxine loved her family and is survived by her husband of 64 years, Don; the couple’s three children, Mona Robinson Oney, Clint (Elaina) Robinson and Lori Robinson. Maxine took great delight in her six grandchildren: Michelle (Jimmy) Spradley, Sarah (Dustin) Clark, Heather (Martin) Oliver, Alexa (Jeremy) Leech, Michael (Kylie) Hall, and Samantha Jarpe. A source of pride and joy for Maxine were her 10 great grandchildren: Camden Spradley, Jayci Clark, Nolan Spradley, Dylan Clark, Shaylee Hall, Madilynn Oliver, Daegan Hall, Ryan Leech, Caleb Oliver and Dawson Hall.

Maxine leaves behind many other friends and family members including her sister, Judy Hays and husband Bill; her niece Christina George; Christina’s children Aaron and Cassie Childress; a new great niece Vivia; and brother-in-law, Dale Robinson and wife Sue and son Morgan.

Maxine is proceeded in death by her parents Wanna Mae and Emery Talley, her brother Wendell, her grandmother Beulah Matlock, her mother-in-law Lois Robinson and son-in-law Bruce Oney.

Memorials may be made to the Eastern European Mission, PO Box 55245, Hurst, TX 76054, physical address 777 Lonesome Dove Trail Hurst, TX 76054. Their phone #800.486.1818. Their website info@eem.org. EEM distributes Bibles to Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and the Ukraine.

A celebration of life for Maxine will be held at a later time.

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