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Archives for November 2024

Local voters back Trump, defeat HISD tax increase

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Donley County voters turned out in large numbers to support Republican candidates and narrowly turned down a Hedley school tax increase during the general election last Tuesday, November 5.

Hedley ISD voters said “no” to a proposed 12-cent increase in the school’s tax rate during the Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). School officials said the higher tax would have helped pay for higher salaries, security upgrades, and other expenses to help deal with dwindling state funds, according to school officials. HISD voters struck down the proposal 108-135.

With more than 74 percent of registered voters participating, Donley County heavily supported Republican candidates up and down the ballot favoring former president Donald Trump (R) over Vice President Kamala Harris (D), 1,492 to 174 with Libertarian Chase Oliver and the Green Party’s Jill Stein picking up eight and nine votes respectively.

US Sen. Ted Cruz (R) did not have as much as support locally but still overwhelmed Democrat Colin Allred, 1,442 to 191 with Libertarian Ted Brown getting 25.

US Rep. Ronny Jackson and State Rep. Ken King were both unopposed and received 1,445 and 1,483 respectively.

Local unopposed candidates received the following votes, Donley County Attorney Landon Lambert 1,447, Sheriff Butch Blackburn 1,487, Tax Assessor-Collector Kristy Christopher 1,483, Pct. 1 Commissioner Del Essary 377, Pct. 3 Commissioner Greg Wootten 374, and Pct. 3&4 Constable Randy Bond 624.

James “Mac” Miller

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James “Mac” Miller, 81, of Howardwick died Monday, November 11, 2024, in Howardwick.

James “Mac” Miller

Memorial services are pending at this time. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mac was born October 25, 1943, in Tucumcari, New Mexico to Rex Elliot and Irene Elizabeth Miller. He married Trudie Mae Lambert on January 5, 1963, in Tucumcari, New Mexico. He had been a longtime resident of Amarillo before moving to Howardwick 18 years ago. He had worked as an insurance adjuster prior to his retirement. Mac loved all types of motorcycles. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Howardwick where he led the praise team for many years and went with the Church to jails and assisted livings for services.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Trudie Miller of Howardwick; his daughters, Cindy Edwards and husband Vaughan of Amarillo and Julie Bejarano and Jamie Garcia of Fort Smith, Arkansas; a sister, Alice Cross of San Antonio; his grandchildren, Marissa Bejarano and Katryna Bejarano; and his great grandchildren, Ava Bejarano and Amara Bejarano.

The family request memorials be sent to Gentiva Hospice.

Kathleen McPherson Blackwell

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Kathleen McPherson Blackwell, 80, formerly of Rogersville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. A private graveside service for the family will be held at Rowe Cemetery, in Hedley, Texas.

Kathleen McPherson Blackwell

Kathleen was born in Clarendon and had been a resident of Rogersville, Missouri since 2000. In 2022, she relocated to Wylie, Texas, to be closer to her children. In 1993, she married Tom Blackwell.

She worked with Shelter Insurance for 20 years and later pursued a successful career as a Mary Kay consultant and director until her retirement in July 2022.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, in 2019.

She is survived by her three children: Sherri Rogers of Wylie, Texas, Shannon Burns of Austin, Texas, and Shawn Burns of Dallas, Texas; her two sisters: Becky McPherson and Carolyn McPherson Baker, both of Amarillo, Texas; three grandchildren: Sasha Rogers, Chainey Davis, and Ellis Burns; and one great-grandchild, Ezra Rivera.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Rowe Cemetery or by supporting your local Mary Kay consultant.

There will be no public viewing.

Voters turn down HISD tax increase

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Hedley ISD voters said “no” to a proposed 12-cent increase in the school’s tax rate Tuesday.

The HISD Voter Approved Tax Ratifciation Election (VATRE) would have increased taxes to pay for higher salaries, security upgrades, and other expenses to help deal with dwindling state funds, according to school officials. Voters narrowly rejected the proposal with 108 FOR the measure to 135 AGAINST it.

In other general election news, Donley County votes turned out in large numbers to support Republican candidates up and down the ballot, including large margins for former president Donald Trump and US Senator Ted Cruz. All local offices were unopposed.

Detailed election results will be published in next week’s Enterprise.

Broncos face off against Memphis

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By Sandy Anderberg

Mason Sims runs the ball for the Broncos last week against Memphis.
Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

The Clarendon Broncos gave a great effort against the Memphis Cyclones at home last Friday night but could not come up with the win. Plagued by low numbers and injuries, the Broncos are currently 0-9 with one game remaining.
Clarendon will travel to Quanah on Friday, November 8 for their last game of the season.

Things looked promising early on when the Cyclones fumbled but recovered the ball due to a great stop by senior Dalton Coles. The Broncos made great stops in the opening series and caused Memphis to punt. Incomplete passes and a fumbled snap led to a Cyclone touchdown with an extra point to lead by seven.

Neither team was able to score until the opening of the second quarter with great field position at the Cyclones’ three-yard line. Junior quarterback, Kyler Bell gained the touchdown on a keeper to put the Broncos on the board at 6-7. Another Memphis TD put the Broncos behind 6-14 at half time.

Even though Bell scored for the Broncos again early after the break, Memphis was able to put more points on the board for the win. Both teams were plagued by penalties, but the Broncos were unable to convert when they needed to. Memphis won, going away at 14-30.

Benson runs personal best at state

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By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon High School’s Madi Benson is a runner, an overall athlete and remarkable young lady. This past week at the State Cross Country meet in Round Rock, Texas, at The Old Settlers Park, Benson ran a personal record of 12:22.10 for the two-mile course.

Madi Benson runs at the State Cross Country meet last week in Round Rock.
Enterprise Photo / Micah McCartney

She placed 13th out of a field of 150 other runners, nearly receiving a medal. Coach Korey Conkin has everything good to say about Benson and her accomplishments.

“Madi has been such a joy to coach,” Conkin said. “It sure makes a coach’s job easy when an athlete works so hard starting in July, running and working toward a goal.”

Benson is only a junior so Conkin knows she will return for one more run at the state level.

“She ran so well at the state meet and just barely missed getting a medal,“ Conkin said. “She gained valuable experience and knowledge that will help her in future races. We are so very proud of Madi!”

Truck donation

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The Saints’ Roost Museum received a 1961 International pickup truck last week for its Wheels of History exhibit building. Manuel Montano purchased the truck new from AAA Motor Company in Clarendon. AAA was owned by Grover Heath and was inherited by his son, Hershel. Louis Montano and his wife, Sylvia, donated the truck to the museum and are shown here when the presentation was made.
Courtesy Photo

Last Walk

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The Clarendon High School Class of 2025 walks the football field one last time after Fridays home football game.
Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

Services set to honor veterans

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American Legion Adamson Lane Post 287 members will place American Flags on the graves of 250 Veterans buried in the Rowe Cemetery in Hedley. The flags will be placed on the graves on Friday November 8, 2024, at 9:00 AM. This is in honor of departed veterans who have served in this country’s military.

Flags will be placed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon on Wednesday, November 6, by the Clarendon Lions Club and Scouts of Troops 433 and 4433.

On Monday, November 11, at 10:00 a.m., the Adamson Lane Post will hold its annual Veterans Day service at the Hedley Lions Club building. This program will be conducted by members of the American Legion and will include the raising of the colors, the National Anthem, Pledge to the Flag, and the ceremony honoring the missing in action and prisoners of War still unaccounted for.

The key address will be given by Tex Buckhaults, President of Clarendon College. The program will be concluded with the playing of taps.

September Donley, Hall jobless rates fall slightly

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Donley and Hall county unemployment rates fell slightly in September but remained higher than the overall Panhandle Workforce Development Area.

Sixty-three people were looking for work in Donley County down from 70 in August. The number of people employed also fell from 1,396 to 1,384 and the workforce shrank from 1,466 to 1,447.

In September 2023, Donley County’s unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.

In Hall County, the unemployment rate dropped from 5.9 percent in August to 5.5 percent in September.

Sixty people were looking for work in Hall County, down from 65 the previous year. The number of employed people was 1,026, down from 1,039; and the Hall County workforce also shrank from 1,104 to 1,086.

Amarillo and the Panhandle WDA maintain low unemployment rates compared to the state, even with slight increases in September 2024. Labor force participation continues to grow, giving employers access to a stable talent pool.

Amarillo saw a slight drop to 3.0 percent in September 2024, down from 3.3 percent the previous month, remaining well below the Texas average of 4.1 percent.

The city’s labor force grew from 105,096 in September 2023 to 107,451 in September 2024. Employment also increased, from 101,797 to 104,243, signaling continued economic strength.

The unemployment rate in the Panhandle Workforce Development Area (WDA) experienced a modest decrease in unemployment to 3.3 percent in September 2024, down from 3.5 percent the previous month.

The WDA’s labor force grew from 213,235 in September 2023 to 216,778 in September 2024, with employment rising from 206,650 to 209,910.

While the WDA’s unemployment rate remains favorable, ongoing labor force growth provides regional businesses with opportunities to fill positions.

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