And the winner is…
Two-county high-speed chase ends in Clarendon
A high speed chase that ended in downtown Clarendon was one of several cases that had local law enforcement busy last week.
Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn said Armstrong County dispatchers got a call of a subject throwing litter out of a car west of Claude on Friday evening, January 30; and when a deputy responded the subject evaded and led officers on a chase into Donley County on US 287.
Donley County deputies successfully spiked three of the vehicle’s tires but were not able to stop the vehicle until it got downtown in front of City Hall.
Matthew Andrew Dunscombe, a 24-year-old resident of Tucson, Ariz., was placed under arrest for Evading Arrest and was subsequently arraigned before being returned to the custody of Armstrong County.
Blackburn said Dunscombe has “no criminal history to speak of,” and a search of his vehicle revealed no weapons or illegal substances.
Also on Friday night and early Saturday morning, two juveniles were arrested for theft of a motor vehicle. The vehicle was reported missing from East Barcus Street, and was stopped by a Donley County Deputy at Jefferson and Seventh streets. The 15-year-old driver and 14-year-old passenger were then detained in Randall County’s Youth Center of the High Plains.
Last Wednesday, January 28, a local deputy responded to a call of subject at Clarendon College in violation of a trespass warning. The subject, later identified as Clayton Shields of Lelia Lake, fled from the officer in a white Chevrolet pickup at high speeds in the city.
Shields eluded the officer and was later located on Farm Roads east of Clarendon. He was stopped and arrested by Sheriff Blackburn on FM 2471 and charged with Evading Arrest, Driving While Intoxicated, and Criminal Trespass.
Dockery to lead City Hall
Clarendon’s new city administrator is no stranger to the Panhandle and is looking forward to getting back to this area after accepting the position last week.
David Dockery, who was selected by the Board of Aldermen on January 27, brings with him more than 20 years of experience as a municipal employee, including nearly a decade in city administration.
“My wife and I are looking forward to coming to Clarendon and becoming a part of a community with such a fantastic heritage,” Dockery told the Enterprise.
Mr. and Mrs. Dockery were both raised and educated in Quanah, and Mr. Dockery had a plumbing business in that community before spending seven years as the director of public works in Chillicothe. He then spent 15 years working for Johnson City, starting as the director of public works and then adding city administrator to that title for about nine years.
“I had a lot of other titles, too,” Dockery said. “You wear a lot of hats in a small town.”
Johnson City has a population of about 1,800, according to the Census Bureau.
Dockery and his wife have family living in Quanah, Childress, and Amarillo, and the prospect of moving closer to “home” was just one of the things that attracted him to Clarendon.
“I was drawn to Clarendon by the community itself and the unlimited opportunity and potential I see for the city being strategically placed on US 287,” Dockery said. “I see the potential for growth for tourism and economic development.”
The new administrator was packing his Johnson City home this week in preparation for the move to Clarendon. A start date has not been set for Dockery while he looks for a place to stay, but he will be in the city this week to meet with Mayor Larry Hicks and other residents. His first goal on the job will be to familiarize himself with the city.
“I want to get acquainted with what’s in the works right now and then be part of the team that brings a bright future to Clarendon,” he said. “I want to be involved in faith and civic organizations.”
Dockery’s former activities include memberships in the Lions and Kiwanis clubs and a position on the board of the Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District.
Dockery said he will bring several characteristics to his new job, including leadership, customer service, a background in city finances, and a history of community development and improvements.
The new administrator also said he believes that some of Clarendon’s strengths are its residents and the dedicated employees who work for the city.
Chamber encourgages early ticket sales for banquet
Tickets are going fast for the 2015 Chamber Awards banquet to be held next Thursday, February 12, at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center.
Chamber officials urge everyone interested in attending the banquet to secure their tickets before noon this Friday, February 6. Seating is limited and tickets will not be available for sale at the door.
Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the Clarendon Visitor Center and The Clarendon Enterprise.
Businesses are also invited to purchase blocks of tickets by sponsoring tables at the banquet, featuring the Valentine’s theme of “Clarendon: Sweetheart of the Panhandle.” Table sponsors will decorate their tables to reflect their business and the theme of the banquet, and a prize will be given for the best table decoration.
Dr. Don Newbury will be the headline entertainment, and the Chamber will honor three of Donley County’s top citizens with the Saints’ Roost Award and Man and Woman of the Year and also recognize outstanding youth from Clarendon and Hedley high schools.
Newbury, the former president of Western Texas College in Snyder and Howard Payne University in Brownwood, is an acclaimed speaker and noted writer with his column, The Idle American, appearing in about 150 Texas newspapers, including the Enterprise.
He has addressed more than 250 annual Chamber of Commerce banquets across the United States and conducts seminars to stimulate community pride, and speaks for chamber boards at planning retreats.
This year’s Chamber event with the will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and a silent auction followed by the banquet, entertainment, and awards at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the Clarendon Visitor Center at 874-2421 or call the Enterprise at 874-2259.
CC softball falls to Western Oklahoma
By Shanna Smith, Clarendon College
Gabrelle Gloria did all she could to give Clarendon College a boost, but it wasn’t enough to get past Western Oklahoma State, as the Lady Bulldogs lost, 10-6, in seven innings at Altus, Okla., on Monday.
Gloria was hot from the plate for the Lady Bulldogs and went 1-4 and scored three runs. She tripled in the fourth inning.
Even though Jennifer Wolf allowed six runs over seven innings she still recorded the victory. She struck out three, walked one and surrendered 10 hits.
Western Oklahoma’s Dayna Reynolds, Justine Romero and Kriston Shumaker combined for five hits and three RBIs.
Gloria ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with the loss. She allowed eight runs in 4 2/3 innings, walked three and struck out four.
WOS jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second. The Oklahoma rally started when Romero singled. A groundout by Miranda Gonzales then moved Romero from first to second. Shumaker singled, plating Romero. WOS pushed more runs across when Shumaker scored on an RBI single by Megan Birchfield.
Western Oklahoma scored one run in the third inning, and then followed it up with one more in the sixth. In the third, WOS scored on an RBI single by Jessica Forrester, scoring Reynolds.
The Lady Bulldogs scored two runs in each of the fourth, fifth and seventh. Despite the team effort, Paige Lafferty, Bailey Carter, and Korynna Lara all had a multiple hit game.
Two runs in the top of the seventh helped the CC women close their deficit to 10-6. A groundout by Ryata Daniel and a steal of home by Gloria gave the Lady Bulldogs life. Wolf ended the game by getting Cassidy Brumaghin to ground out.
CC Meat Judging team wins Fort Worth
The Clarendon College Meat Judging team won the Southwestern Collegiate Meat Judging Contest in Fort Worth this past weekend.
The CC team finished with 3572 points ahead of Garden City Community College (3515 points), Fort Scott Community College (3489) and the Australian National team (3320 points).
Individual placing’s included Talen Crist second high individual; Mario Olive third high; Dustin Jones sixth; and Kenna Faulkenberry 11th high.
In the alternates division, the CC finished in second place behind Garden City Community College. Individually, Lauren Rush was first high individual and Jess Nighswonger finished in third.
Broncos win first half of district
By Sandy Anderberg
The Clarendon Broncos had a big week and finished the first half of district play at 5-0. They continued their winning streak on the road at Quanah and at home against Wheeler. The Broncos slammed the Indians, 66-41.
Clarendon jumped out to the early lead and held the upper hand in the first quarter. However, Quanah came storming back and made it a one-point game going into the half. The Broncos were able to regroup after the break and settled into a solid offense to open a bigger lead to get the win. Bryce Grahn, Charles Mason, and Colt Wood all finished in double figures for the Broncos with Wood posting a double double.
“We did not shoot the ball well in the first half, but dominated in the second half,” coach Brandt Lockhart said.
Scoring: Grahn 19, Mason 15, Wood 12, Cedrick McCampbell 8, Jr. Ceniceros 6, Chesson Sims 2, and Taylon Knorpp 2. Wood had 10 rebounds and Grahn had seven; Ceniceros had six assists and Grahn had three; Mason had four steals and Grahn and McCampbell had three each.
At home against Wheeler, the Broncos shot 62 percent from the bonus line, which helped them in their 66-48 win.
After playing the first quarter to a 9-9 tie, the Broncos kicked up their offense to lead by five points at the break. They were able to extend their lead with their quickness on offense and shut down the Mustangs’ scoring with solid defense.
“We did a good job of getting turnovers and turning them into points in the third quarter,” Lockhart said. “We shot 7 of 15 from behind the arc. We have several players that are doing things that are not showing up on the stats. I am very pleased the way we have played the firs half of district. However, it will be tougher the second time around.”
Grahn once again led the Broncos on the scoreboard with Chance Lockhart putting in 10. Ceniceros had nine, McCampbell had eight, Wood and Sims had six, Mason finished with four, and Riley Shadle had three. Grahn had five rebounds and Lockhart had four; Mason had three assists and Grahn and Lockhart had four; Grahn had seven steals and Lockhart had three.
The Broncos will take on Shamrock Friday, February 6, on the road and will play Wellington February 10 at home.
Lady Broncos handle Quanah, drop game to Wheeler last week
By Sandy Anderberg
The Lady Broncos took care of Quanah early in the week, but fell short against Wheeler at home Friday night.
The ladies defeated Quanah 40-37 with Taylor DeGrate leading the way on the scoreboard with 15 points.
The Lady Broncos had a slow start and trailed until the fourth quarter. The Lady Indians never put the game out of reach, and the Lady Broncos were determined to get the win and turned up their defensive heat in the final eight minutes.
Taylor Gaines also finished in double figures with 10 to help in the win. Carlee Johnson had seven, Allyson Grahn had four, and Hannah Howard and Skyler White each helped with two.
On Friday, the ladies played hard, but could not overcome turnovers and were defeated 51-57. Wheeler was able to jump out on top and set the early tempo of the game. But the Lady Broncos did not give up and worked hard to get back into the game. They chipped away at the Lady Mustang lead and got back to within two points in the final minutes of the game.
Crucial turnovers spelled doom for the ladies as the final buzzer sounded. Degrate and Grahn gave a great offensive effort to lead the Lady Broncos on the scoreboard with 17 each and Gaines added 11. Jensen Hatley put in three, Hannah Hommel had two, and Johnson put in one.
The Lady Broncos will travel to Shamrock on Friday, February 6, and face off against Wellington at home on Tuesday, February 10, to end their regular season.
William Albert Barton
William Albert Barton, Sr., 79, died Wednesday, January 28, 2015, in Howardwick.
Graveside services were held on Monday, February 2, 2015, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
William was born June 14, 1935, in Plainview to Albert Granville and Allene Kemp Barton. He married Patsy Jo Henry on September 17, 1965, in Wellington. He was a Master Plumber prior to his retirement. He had been a resident of Amarillo prior to moving to Howardwick in 1999. He enjoyed riding his golf cart and working puzzles.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Barton of Howardwick; 2 sons, Jim Chambers of Little Elm and William Barton, Jr. of Amarillo; 2 brothers, Gene Barton of Plainview and Boyce Lynn Barton of Halfway; a sister, Leveta Newton of Houston; 4 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. The family request memorials be sent to the VFW or Harrington Cancer Center.
Reader Comments