Morgan Wheatly

Beautiful, calm weather greeted a patriotic crowd gathered on the Courthouse Square last Saturday, July 1, for the 140th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration.

The Kids’ Parade started the day with the youngsters peddling or driving from Third Street down Sully Street in front of the Courthouse. In the 0-4 age group, Annislee McIntosh was first, Leah Victory was second, and Kelton Herndon third. MaKynna Williams won the 5-8 age group with Cooper Henderson second and Nevaeh & Zaylee third. The 9 and up age group was won by Kyndall Shields, Bryce Williams second and Billy Bond third.

The Herring Bank Parade delighted kids of all ages as floats, riding units, emergency vehicles, and other entries wound their way from the baseball fields through downtown. Greenbelt Electric took Grand Champion and best float, Floyd Baxter won best car or truck, Bromley Ranch won best tractor or farm equipment, and best “other” entry went to the Community Fellowship Church. Sierra Millison took first place in the Cornell’s Country Store “Show Us Your Boots” contest, and Michelle Hall was second place.

The annual Craft Fair drew a big crowd to the courthouse square with an impressive number of vendors; and the Chamber of Commerce recognized several pioneer citizens during the Old Settlers gathering. The Oldest Settler went to Johnny Leathers age 96.

The Al Morrah Shrine Club served 600 plates of barbecue, down from 749 last year. A portion of the proceeds from the annual barbecue are used in conjunction with the Khiva Shrine Temple in Amarillo to help pay for the transportation of kids to the Shriners’ burns and crippled children’s hospitals.

Several organizations held fundraisers during the celebration. The winners of the Courthouse Lighting Committee Penny Raffle were Debbie Chowins and Tim Herbert, $100.00 each and Paulette Kidd and Russell Latham, $50 each. The Clarendon Lions Club won the $2000 Community Fund raffle and Jody Berry & Chrisi Tucek won $500 each. The winners of the Lions Club Cow Patty Bingo were Brock Holland, $250, and Brenda Hill and Russell Latham, $50 each.

The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association hosted a Junior Ranch Rodeo on July 4 and an open Ranch Rodeo on June 30 and July 1. Results of those events will be listed in next week’s edition.

Henson’s annual Turtle Race had altogether 177 participants, which was down from terrapin handlers last year. Winners were Cashlyn Linquist for the 0-4 division, Brandon Moore for the 5-8 division, Colton Benson for the 9-14 division, and Gary Chavez for the adult division. Each child division winner received $25 and a $25 Henson’s Gift Certificate. The adult division brought in $260, which was divided in half between the winner and the Donley County Child Welfare board.

Community members attending town hall last Thursday, June 29, were encouraging of a $1 million proposal to finance a portion of Clarendon’s water recreation project and completion of the Mulkey Theatre.

The forum at the Bairfield Activity Center was attended by approximately 40 residents and included representatives of the city council, the water recreation steering and fundraising committees, and the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board.

Mayor Sandy Skelton welcomed the crowd and gave an overview of new businesses and other activities happening in the city over the last couple of years and noted that local sales tax revenue has doubled over the last 20 years.

“What the city is missing is recreation opportunities for people of all ages,” Skelton said.

Skelton gave an overview of the water recreation project and the ongoing effort to raise funds to match the challenge of an anonymous benefactor who wants to give the city $500,000 for that purpose. Fundraising has brought in more than $259,000 toward that match in donations or pledges.

CEDC Secretary Roger Estlack gave an update on the Mulkey Theatre and on action taken by the CEDC board in May that recommended $1 million be borrowed and financed with EDC sales tax revenue to complete the theatre and help meet the challenge for the water recreation project.

City Administrator David Dockery then went over the details of the financing. Half of the $1 million would go toward the Mulkey, and the other half would go to the pool. The money would be paid back over 20 years with an annual debt service of $74,400.

The debt payment would be covered by EDC sales taxes that are already being collected. Current annual EDC sales tax revenue is about $98,500. Looking at historical data from the last 20 years, Dockery said EDC annual revenue will likely be $136,422 in 2027 and $188,945 in 2037.

The debt service would not encumber any of the Hotel Occupancy Taxes administered by the EDC to fund local events and community promotional efforts.

A question was asked about borrowing more than needed to meet the water recreation challenge, but city officials said having additional funds better positions the project for upcoming grant applications.

Officials also fielded questions about parking, maintenance, management, and future needs of the water recreation project, all of which have been taken into consideration by the steering committee and the city.

As the meeting drew to a close, attendees were positive about the proposal and supported it by a show of hands as well as by comments.

Ten-year-old Ben Estlack said he supports the pool project because his family has to drive an hour away to go to a water park and he’d rather not have to go that far, and he said he also supports the Mulkey project.

Addressing a suggestion to scale back the water recreation project, Denise Bertrand urged leaders to not set the goal too low. That sentiment was shared by Howardwick resident Dusty Green, who said he had been to many communities in his travels and he and his wife are excited about Clarendon’s projects.

“This is a special place with a lot of value,” Green said. “Don’t just meet the minimum; dare to do more.”

The District Court heard 13 pleas, including the case of one local man, when it met in Clarendon last Monday, June 19.

District Attorney Luke Inman, assisted by Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding.

Alan Dwayne Harper was placed on probation for a period of five years for the third degree felony offense of unlawful restraint. Harper pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Harper, 61 from Clarendon, was arrested in Donley County for the offense that took place on February 7, 2017 by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Spier. Harper was later indicted by the Donley County Grand Jury on April 10, 2017.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Harper is required to pay a $1,000 fine, $488 in court costs, and successfully complete 400 hours of community service. If Harper violates probation, he could face up to 10 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.

Walter James Wheeler, Jr. was placed on probation for a period of five years for the first degree felony offense of aggravated robbery. Wheeler pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Wheeler, 63 from Walsenburg, Colo., was arrested in Donley County for the offense that took place on October 6, 2016 by Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn. Wheeler was later indicted by the Donley County Grand Jury on December 12, 2016.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Wheeler is required to pay a $3,000 fine, $448 in court costs, $4,375 restitution, successfully complete 400 hours of community service, and a $500 out of state probation transfer fee. If Wheeler violates probation, he could face up to 99 years or life in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.

Javarra Michelle Hodge was placed on probation for a period of four years for the second degree felony offense of possession of marijuana. Hodge pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Hodge, 32 from Waterloo, Iowa, was arrested in Donley County for the offense that took place on October 26, 2016 by DPS Trooper Darrin Bridges. Hodge pleaded to an information filed by the State on January 10, 2017.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Hodge is required to pay a $4,000 fine, $458 in court costs, $180 lab restitution, successfully complete 300 hours of community service, and a $500 out of state probation transfer fee. If Hodge violates probation, she could face up to 20 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.

Carolyn Emily Hicks, 33 from Arlington, pleaded true to allegations listed in the State’s Motion to Adjudicate and was sentenced to seven years in the Institutional Division of TDCJ for the second degree felony offense of possession of a controlled substance.

On November 14, 2012, Hicks originally pleaded to the charges from the October 30, 2012 offense in Donley County. The State filed the motion to adjudicate on July 20, 2015, alleging five violations of community supervision.

Hicks is also required to pay $443 in court costs, $2,992 in restitution and a $4,000 fine.

Anotonio Alcaraz-Memije was placed on probation for a period of two years for the state jail felony offense of possession of a controlled substance. Alcaraz pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Alcaraz, 24 from Denver, Colo., was arrested in Donley County for the offense that took place on June 11, 2017 by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Hill. Alcaraz pleaded to an information filed by the State.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Alcaraz is required to pay $458 in court costs, $180 drug lab restitution, a $500 fine, and successfully complete 100 hours of community service. If Alcaraz violates probation, he could face up to two years in the State Jail Division of the TDCJ.

Miles Lacy Hampton, 24 from Childress, pleaded true to allegations listed in the State’s Motion to Revoke and was sentenced to eight years in the Institutional Division of TDCJ for the second degree felony offense of burglary of a habitation.

On July 23, 2012, Hampton originally pleaded to the charges from the January 1, 2011 offense in Childress County. The State filed the motion to revoke on May 1, 2014, alleging five violations of community supervision.

Hampton is also required to pay $385.50 in court costs, $2,350 in restitution, and a $2,000 fine.

Jason Brown-Brannon, 26 from Childress, pleaded true to allegations listed in the State’s Motion to Adjudicate and was sentenced to 18 months in the State Jail Division of TDCJ for the state jail felony offense of possession of a controlled substance.

On April 9, 2015, Brown originally pleaded to the charges from the January 7, 2015 offense in Childress County. The State filed the motion to adjudicate on September 16, 2015, alleging five violations of community supervision.

Brown is required to pay $329 in court costs, $180 in restitution and a $2,000 fine.

Jeremy Brown-Brannon was placed on probation for a period of three years for the state jail felony offense of forgery. Brown-Brannon pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Brown-Brannon, 25 from Wakeeney, Kan., was arrested in Childress County for the offense that took place on January 30, 2017 by Childress Police Officer Toby Brazee. Brown-Brannon pleaded to an information filed by the State on June 15, 2017.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Brown-Brannon is required to pay $289 in court costs, $160 restitution, a $2,500 fine, and successfully complete 100 hours of community service. If Brown-Brannon violates probation, he could face up to two years in the State Jail Division of the TDCJ.

Graciano Enrique Ramirez, Jr., was placed on probation for a period of five years for the third degree felony offense of retaliation. Ramirez pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Ramirez, 26 from Tahoka, was arrested in Hall County for the offense that took place on May 23, 2017 by Hall County Chief Deputy Jared Johnson. Ramirez pleaded guilty to an information filed by the State.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Ramirez is required to pay a $500 fine, $381 in court costs, successfully complete 200 hours of community service, and pay $4,514 in restitution. If Ramirez violates probation, he could face up to 10 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.

Jorge Louis Vazquez was placed on probation for a period of three years for the third degree felony offense of possession of marijuana. Vasquez pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense. Vasquez, 22 from Richmond, Calif., was arrested in Carson County for the offense that took place on January 28, 2017 by DPS Trooper Casey Dawson. Vasquez pleaded guilty to an information filed by the State.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Vasquez is required to pay a $500 fine, $336 in court costs, successfully complete 200 hours of community service, and pay a $500 out of state probation transfer fee. If Vasquez violates probation, he could face up to 10 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.

Vasquez’s plea also subjects him to deportation to his country of origin, which is Mexico.

Robert Paul Kinne was placed on probation for a period of two years for the Class A misdemeanor offense of unlawful use of criminal instrument. Kinne pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Kinne, 29, was arrested in Carson County for the offense that took place on June 10, 2017 by DPS Trooper Garry Bullard. Kinne pleaded guilty to an information filed by the State.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Kinne was required to pay a fine to Carson County for $4,000, $276 in court costs, $180 drug lab restitution, and successfully complete 100 hours of community service. If Kinne violates probation, he could face up to one year in the Carson County Jail.

Juan Dedios Ramirez, 34 from Houston, pleaded true to allegations listed in the State’s Motion to Adjudicate and was sentenced to five years in the Institutional Division of TDCJ for the second degree felony offense of possession of a controlled substance.

On January 17, 2017, Ramirez originally pleaded to the charges from the October 5, 2016 offense in Hall County. The State filed the motion to adjudicate alleging six violations of community supervision.

Ramirez is also required to pay $381 in court costs to Carson County, $180 in restitution and a $5,000 fine.

Ramirez also pleaded true to allegations listed in the State’s Motion to Adjudicate and was sentenced to 24 months in the State Jail Division of TDCJ for the state jail felony offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The offense date and plea date for this state jail felony offense were the same dates for the second degree felony offense which Ramirez was also convicted.

Donley County Commissioners authorized preservation work on 1890 courthouse and discussed several other agenda items during their regular meeting last Monday, June 12.

The county for some time has discussed work needing done on third floor windows, and at this meeting they took action, accepting a proposal from Bill Gamel of Amarillo.

County Judge John Howard said Gamel will remove and repair two windows for $700 each. Money for this maintenance work has been set aside in a preservation fund, and Howard said work should begin within a month’s time.

Commissioners also received an update on masonry repair needed on the courthouse. Randy Hughes with Mid-Continental Restoration will be visiting Clarendon in the near future to help with recommendations for spalling that is happening with sandstone on the building.

In other county business, the commissioners court approved the county’s interlocal agreement with the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission for 911 services. PRPC coordinates 911 in the top 26 counties of the Panhandle.

The court approved purchasing a new computer for the Extension office with Texas A&M paying half the cost but took no action on a request to purchase Microsoft Office for the clerk’s office.

Bids on tax delinquent properties at Howardwick were approved as presented.

Commissioners discussed a proposal to implement a video conference capability in the sheriff’s office for mental health evaluations, magistrations, and attorney-inmate conferences.

The court discussed preparations for the Saints’ Roost Celebration and efforts to prepare the square for those festivities.

Following a closed session with the county attorney, the court authorized him to write a letter to landowners near the junction of County Roads 1 and J regarding landowners’ obligations not to divert water onto county roads.

A request from Justice of the Peace Pam Mason for a full-time clerk was tabled since Mason could not be at last Monday’s meeting.

The county has also begun the process of preparing next year’s budget. Howard said the county is being told to anticipate as much as a ten percent or $30,000 increase in health insurance premiums.

Volunteers are being sought to help Donley County children who find themselves caught up in the court system due to neglect or abuse.

CASA of the High Plains currently has about 51 cases involving 118 kids in its eight-county service area with five of those cases being in Donley County, according to Executive Director Alissha Jefferies.

“We have an urgent need for at least two volunteers to help serve Donley County,” Jefferies said.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a system by which a volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information to the court on behalf of a child. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and only handle one case at a time.

Jefferies said CASA is a state-funded non-profit, but it requires volunteers to be caseworkers in order for the advocate to develop the one-on-one relationship with the child necessary to effectively represent the kid’s interests.

“If we can’t recruit volunteers to help with our caseload, the state cuts our funding,” Jefferies said.

Kids referred to CASA have been removed from their homes for some reason, most often neglect or abuse resulting from one or both parents’ drug use.

“We are seeing a lot of severe neglect due to drugs right now,” said Lisa Blandford, CASA’s Program Director and supervisor for Donley County cases.

CASA volunteers meet with the child and other parties to prepare a report for the judge in each case. Often times these correspondences can be done through email.

“We don’t have a vested interest in the case other than what is best for the child,” Jefferies said. “That’s why its important for a volunteer to establish a relationship with the child.”

Time required by a volunteer can vary, but at least one hour of face to face time with the child is necessary per month. Volunteers can come from all walks of life from stay-at-home moms to retirees to parents working full time.

“When I started as a volunteer five years ago, I had a full time job and two kids,” Jefferies said.

Blandford also was working full time when she became a volunteer.

Currently, Donley County has four active volunteers – Medina Gribble, Debbie Hillis, Missy Kidd, and Irene Oatman.

CASA also offers other volunteer positions. Besides being an advocate, there are opportunities to accompany and support an advocate, and there is training and guidance available throughout the process.

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, call the Pampa office at 806-669-7638 or visit their website at www.casahp.org.