Clarendon Live

The Clarendon Enterprise - Spreading the word since 1878.

Morgan Wheatly

Clarendon EDC awards 17th storefront grant

by Leave a Comment

A local business’ renovation more than six months in the making has been capped off with new doors paid for in part by a grant from the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation.

Robertson Funeral Directors at 212 S. Sully received $1,627.50 as the 17th award under the CEDC’s popular Façade Grant Program, and this mark’s the programs first award that is not on Kearney Street.

Chuck Robertson said the CEDC money specifically helped pay for the purchase and installation of custom-made doors for the funeral home as well as some glass work. The business has also repainted its awning and exterior as part of a complete remodeling.

Clarendon Director of Toursim & Economic Development Chandra Eggemeyer presents a check to Chuck Robertson of Robertson Funeral Directors. The funeral home plans an open house in the near future to showcase its recent renovations. Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack
Clarendon Director of Toursim & Economic Development Chandra Eggemeyer presents a check to Chuck Robertson of Robertson Funeral Directors. The funeral home plans an open house in the near future to showcase its recent renovations. Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack

“This is a huge remodel project, and this grant helped a bunch with the final stage of the work,” Robertson said.

The biggest changes from the project are on the interior, which has been completely modernized. The funeral home’s staterooms, chapel, lobby, showroom, planning office, and bathrooms were completely renovated with new texturing, carpet, updated lighting, and new furniture. A second bathroom was also installed.

“It all feels more comfortable now,” Robertson said.

Robertson said he’s proud that most of the work on the interior and exterior was done by local contractors, and more work is on the horizon as the business plans to renovate an apartment in the building for use as office space.

Robertson recommends the CEDC’s Façade Grant Program to other businesses as a way to help spruce up the town.

“It just makes things look better when people come through town,” he said. “Now they will see our building, the Security Abstract building, and the Courthouse. I want to see Clarendon grow, and the only way it’s going to happen is if businesses invest and make it grow.”

Since the Façade Grant Program began in 2008, the CEDC has awarded $19,397.04 to property owners in downtown Clarendon. The Façade Grant Program provides 50-50 matching grants, up to a maximum of $2,000 per project, for improvements done to commercial storefronts.

The program considers properties located in the city’s entire Central Business District, an area that generally includes properties facing Kearney Street from First to Fifth streets as well as properties facing Sully Street and Jefferson Street from First to Fifth and properties on the west side of Gorst Street from Second Street (US 287) to Fourth Street. Businesses located on the US 287 corridor are also now eligible to apply for funding.

Projects eligible for consideration could be anything from a coat of paint to new signage to sidewalk improvements to a complete rehabilitation of a storefront. Property owners interested in Façade Grant funds must get approval before beginning their projects.

For more information about the CEDC Façade Grant Program, contact Chandra Eggemeyer at the Clarendon Visitor Center inside the Mulkey Theatre at 874-2421.

Editorial: Take time to appreciate local history

by Leave a Comment

Last week was not your regular edition of The Clarendon Enterprise. It never is when we change our press time to fit an election. It discombobulates our schedule, the lives of those who print our paper, and, of course, the weekly routine of readers like you.

It’s somewhat stressful for those of us on the production side of this venture, and stress sometimes brings forth a feeling of second-guessing of career choices. Certainly twiddling my thumbs at the Courthouse Annex for six hours waiting on election results was not what I was looking forward to when I studied journalism at Texas Tech. It is, however, part of the job from time to time.

Roger Estlack, Editor
Roger Estlack, Editor

But then something happens to make you reflect on the real reason for doing the job, and you remember there is more to it than just the occasional tediousness. In the case of the Enterprise, that “something” came in the form of a visit from Larry Lemmons, who chose this newspaper as the topic of one of his “In the Panhandle Spirit” series on Channel 7.

Larry wanted to focus on the Panhandle’s first newspaper and how it continues to serve the community in this day and age. There were several benefits Larry’s to story, not the least of which was that we had to clean up the office before he came. It was good publicity for the paper and our printer, but more importantly it was good for Clarendon because it showcased our rich history. It’s easy to overlook it when you’re right in the midst of it every day, but sometimes it’s good to step back and look at what we have here.

Every newspaper we publish is a continuation of a tradition that began 136 years ago, and that’s a legacy that we feel sure will continue long after our present crew takes up eternal residence in the peacefulness of Citizens Cemetery. Your humble editor feels like he’s been here forever after more than 18 years, but that’s not even half of the 45 years my great uncle, George Wayne Estlack, spent working at this paper.

We’re no different than many other folks in Donley County. Cowboys on the JA Ranch carry on traditions that date back to the 1870s. Educators at Clarendon ISD follow in the footsteps of early teachers from the 1880s, and Clarendon College continues its tradition as the Panhandle’s first college since 1898.

Each Sunday, pastors and parishioners fill churches established by pioneers, medical personnel follow in the footsteps of the Panhandle’s first doctor, Jerome Stocking, and county officials work in a historic Courthouse where the cornerstone bears the name of the legendary Charles Goodnight.

One of our cover stories features Robertson Funeral Directors, a business that can trace its origins to the 1890s and currently has three generations of one family working under one roof.

The Clarendon Masonic Lodge, the Lions Club, the Pathfinders, the Chamber of Commerce, and Fire Department are all some of the oldest of their types of organizations in this part of the state and their members continue on trails blazed many decades ago.

All around we can look and see where history has unfolded, and we marvel at what may come our way. The newspaper business alone has changed remarkably since we rebranded ourselves as the Enterprise in 1996. What will this venture look like in 2026 or 2036? Indeed, what will Clarendon look like at its bicentennial in 2078?

Many of us won’t be here to see what happens, but each step we take, each paper we publish is another link in our continuing story together. Donley County has an amazing story, and we’re happy to tell it… as it develops.

 

Meanwhile…

Setting aside the sentimental reflections, we really do not enjoy being kept up until the wee hours without good cause. Last week’s Republican Primary was one such circumstance where many people were kept out late and away from the comfort of their homes and the warmth of their beds for no good reason.

The competitive election was great. The lukewarm turnout – about 38 percent – was disappointing. But the wait… oh, my Lord, the wait… was just exhausting.

The polls closed last Tuesday at 7 p.m. Election officials could have been tabulating early votes all day but reportedly didn’t start until about 11 a.m. There were also other variables that could have allowed a quicker hand count of election day ballots. Instead we waited and waited. At 10:52 p.m., spirits soared for a moment when some election officials emerged from behind closed doors… to sharpen a handful of pencils. It would be another two hours before all the votes were tabulated, and another hour and a quarter after that before the paper could be sent to press.

All of this delay could be avoided. Donley County has machines that can count ballots in a fraction of the time humans can. So here’s a message for the Donley County Republican Party: For the love of Ronald Wilson Reagan, stop being so tight and use the blasted machines. You’ve got the money, and the time of your election officials, of your candidates, of the people in the clerk’s office, and of all the rest of us are worth something and it ought not be wasted.

Opinion: Spring is nigh in the Texas Panhandle

by Leave a Comment

My favorite time of the year is now just around the corner, slowly – much too slowly – heading our way. Yes, indeed, I’m referring to spring. Recently, I have made several excursions along the county roads of Donley County; out past where the blacktop ends and the dirt roads begin. You can see the land slowly awakening from its winter slumber.

This winter has been one to remember. It was perhaps the worst winter of my life, and I am aware of several other folks who could make the same claim. I am grateful, however, that I am alive to witness the annual renewal that is spring and doubly pleased to share it with others who have suffered through a cold, dry winter.

Fred Gray.
Fred Gray.

Yesterday, I drove over to the ballparks at Clarendon College and watched the Lady Bulldogs absolutely thrash the Lady Broncobusters of Garden City College. The Clarendon College men’s baseball team plays here on Friday and through the weekend. The baseball and softball diamonds used by Clarendon High School are also nicely prepped and ready for another season.

In short, the annual rites of spring are commencing. Shortly, we’ll be able to hear the joyous voices, along with a few angry ones, depending upon the call, of the parents and loved ones of our wee T-ballers, coach-pitch players, and softball players emanating from the ball parks.

Shortly thereafter, we will be able to see a new sport that is just arriving on the scene – youth soccer, better known as football to the rest of the world. Last year was the first year our young people played it and I wish it continuing success. Yes, indeed, spring is here. It is about time!

I noticed during my drives that several of the exotic wildlife mothers are pregnant, and from their looks will be delivering soon. New calves are now on the scene, romping and chasing each other through the rangeland and vigorously head bashing their mother’s udders, looking for a meal.

All we need now is a wet spring, with plenty of rain falling at a moderate rate upon the thirsty land. Even though we experienced a cold winter, it was a dry winter. This drought needs to end – and end now. I can’t think of a better subject for steady, intense prayer, petitioning the Almighty to send us the rain this land is crying out for.

Thanks primarily to the underground aquifers and the scientific methods of our farmers, last year’s harvest was good, for the most part. Even so, we cannot continue to put such a massive drain on our depleted water resources. At some point in time, sooner rather than later, we must receive the rain we need, lest civilization in this area dry up and blow away.

This spring is a blessing. Let us be thankful for it, and thank the Almighty and Mother Nature for the blessings given to us. Life in the Texas Panhandle is as close to living in paradise as is possible. The land is beautiful and fruitful, the people are good, and the air is not as polluted as it is in many areas of Texas and the rest of America.

CC knocks Lady Busters

by Leave a Comment

By Fred Gray

This year’s Lady Bulldogs have attitude – and teeth! These ladies play hard, are well-coached, and don’t know the meaning of quit. In short, they are an absolute delight to watch. Every young lady in Donley County and the surrounding area would profit from watching these girls play.

Consider their most recent home stand against Garden City College, from Garden City, Kansas. The Lady Bulldogs played so well that even the Wizard of Oz himself would have been of no help to the Lady Busters.

The Lady Bulldogs faced Garden City Community College this Monday, March 10, 2014, at Clarendon College. The ladies won both games against the Lady Bronco Busters with a 13-6 victory in the first and 11-3 runs in the second. At the plate is Freshman Alexis Vines of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The ladies will take on Rose State Friday, March 14, at home at 1 p.m. Enterprise Photo / Morgan Wheatly
The Lady Bulldogs faced Garden City Community College this Monday, March 10, 2014, at Clarendon College. The ladies won both games against the Lady Bronco Busters with a 13-6 victory in the first and 11-3 runs in the second. At the plate is Freshman Alexis Vines of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The ladies will take on Rose State Friday, March 14, at home at 1 p.m. Enterprise Photo / Morgan Wheatly

During the first game of the double-header, the Garden City side made 13 errors, virtually assuring the Lady Bulldogs of victory, winning 13 to 6. The Lady Bulldogs spotted the Lady Broncobusters a three run advantage in the top of the first inning, then stormed back and put an 11 to 3 whipping on the side from Kansas.

Aided by a towering two-run home run by Whitney Lane, in the bottom of the 6th inning, the Lady Bulldogs scored three runs in the 6th to win in game by the 8 run rule. The final score was 11 to 3.

Gabby Gloria, from Lubbock Estacado High School, came on in relief during the first inning of the second game and pitched a sterling shut-out, allowing the Lady Bulldogs the time needed to regain the lead.

CC scored 11 runs on 12 hits, and had 1 error. Garden City scored 3 runs on 8 hits, with 5 errors.

The next home stand, against Rose State (Oklahoma) on Friday, March 14, at 1 and 3 p.m.

Broncos win wild game over Skyrockets

by Leave a Comment

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos looked unbeatable in the first three innings against Wellington, but let a fourth inning breakdown allow the Skyrockets back into the game last week.

“We jumped out early and often and looked like world-beaters only to collapse in the fourth inning,” head coach Brad Elam said. “We opened a 13-0 lead after three innings with timely and clutch hitting. We were able to add three more in the 6th and 7th that ended up to be very important runs.”

Elam added that Wellington had a big nine-run third inning and scored three more in the seventh to give us a scare.

Elam felt the pitching was not up to par for the Broncos.

“(Our) pitching was very disappointing as we walked or hit 13 (hitters),” Elam said. “We can’t do that and be successful. We made some good plays on defense. Bryce Hatley made two very good plays at catcher, (but) we also had some crucial errors also.”

Elam knows the Broncos need to clean some areas up, but there were bright spots in the win.

“I was pleased with our offense,” Elam said. “We added nine walks and had 13 hits including doubles by Caleb Cobb, Jonathan Cartwright, and Zack LaRoe. Chance McAnear scored three runs, Hatley scored four runs and Cobb scored three runs. Cobb and LaRoe had three RBI each.”

The Broncos will play Kress at home March 15 at 1:00 p.m. and host Chilicothe on Monday, March 17, at 4:00 p.m.

Lady Broncos slam Wellington

by Leave a Comment

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos scored in every inning in their 14-8 romp over Wellington last week to take them to 2-1 and 1-0 on the season.

Brooke Martin got the win pitching six innings, and Camra Smith came in and pitched in the seventh inning. Haley Ferguson was behind the plate.

Offense was the name of the game in the first inning for both teams as they each scored three runs. But the Lady Broncos flexed their muscles in the following three innings and were on target defensively as they held their opponent to no runs, but put up seven unanswered scores.

The big three innings sealed the deal for the ladies as they were able to coast to the seventh and did not need their at bat in the last inning. They had 14 hits and only three errors in the game.

The Lady Broncos will host Quanah Friday, March 14, in a double-header at noon, and on March 15 they will play an alumni game at home beginning at 1:00 p.m.

CHS runners compete in Claude

by Leave a Comment

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos competed in the Claude track meet last week and finished in third place with 80 points behind Wellington and Follet.

Abby Johnson won the 400-meter dash with a time of 1.04.62, and Sarah Luttrell won the 200-meter dash with a time of 27.84 and was second in the long jump with a leap of 15’8″. Johnson was second in the 200-meter dash behind Luttrell at 28.24.

Sarah Williams finished fifth in the 1600-meter run at 7.04:27 and Myra Castillo was fourth in the 400 with a time of 1:07.05. Bailey was sixth in the 400 at 1:09.85. Berkeley Alexander finished fifth in the shot put with a distance of 30’10″ and Karlee Adams was sixth in that event at 28’6½”.

The Broncos competed with limited athletes and finished fifth as a team. Caleb Cob finished second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57:93 and fourth in the 800-meter run at a tie of 17:27.

Cedrick McCampbell was third in the 100 at 16:48, fourth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.83, and fifth in the triple jump with a leap of 40’5″. Montana Hysinger was fourth in the discus with a throw of 106’6¼”.

The next track meet for the Broncos and Lady Broncos will participate in the Quanah track meet March 22.

Runoff election for Howard, Bond

by Leave a Comment

 The four-way race for Donley County Judge came down to Dr. John Howard and Randy Bond after no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in the Republican Primary Tuesday.

Howard and Bond will square off in a May 27 runoff election, and the winner will have no Democratic opposition in November.

Howard was the top vote getter with 353 but only got 40.4 percent of the total votes. Bond was second with 230 followed by Jack Craft with 152 and Gary Campbell with 138.

In the race for the Republican nomination for Precinct 2 County Commissioner, Daniel Ford was the clear winner and avoided a runoff with 178 votes compared to 96 for Mitchell Martin and 26 for John Grady.

Counting went into the wee hours of the morning Wednesday; and ironically it was the “early” votes that came in last just before 1:00 a.m.

Thirty-three people voted in the Democratic Primary in Donley County, which featured no locally contested races.

An offical total of those voting wasn’t available at press time, but the Enterprise estimated 918 people cast ballots altogether, which would be a turnout of about 38 percent.

Two Republican candidates faced no primary opponents but will have competition in November. Precinct 4 Commissioner Dan Sawyer will face Democratic challenger Ricky Ratten, and Pam Mason will face incumbent Democrat Connie Havens for Precinct 1&2 Justice of the Peace.

Republican candidates with no opposition this year were Precinct 3&4 Justice of the Peace Denise Bertrand and County Treasurer Wanda Smith.

County & District Clerk Fay Vargas ran on the Democratic ticket and has no Republican challenger this fall.

Katherine Williams won as a write-in candidate for Republican County Chair.

Also of local interest, Clarendon Congressman Mac Thornberry fended off two Republican challengers in his re-election bid.

Hedley city, HISD plan elections

by Leave a Comment

 Hedley will be the site of the only boards holding elections this May after the filing period closed for candidates last Friday, February 28.

The Hedley Independent School District will elect three members of its Board of Trustees. Incumbent Ted Wright will be joined on the ballot by Troy Monroe, Michelle McCann, and Holly McCleskey. Two other incumbents – Tonja Ruthardt and Karen Watt – are not running.

Hedley Mayor Leon Ward is unopposed for re-election, but there will be a three-person race for two seats on the Board of Aldermen. Challenger Diana Postma will join Aldermen Lonnie Roby and Carrie Butler on the ballot.

Elections for the City of Hedley and Hedley ISD are scheduled for May 10.

Five other local governments will be canceling their elections for this spring as candidates for each of those boards are unopposed.

The City of Clarendon will, however, get a new face on its board. With three seats available this spring, Aldermen Beverly Burrow and Larry Jeffers both signed up for re-election, but Alderman Will Thompson is not seeking another term in office. John Lockhart will take Thompson’s seat on the board.

Howardwick will lose two current aldermen, but they will be replaced by two former mayors, H.L. Baird and Sam Grider, who joined incumbent Alderman Robert Brewster in signing up for three available seats. Aldermen Gene Rogers and Corrine Longan did not seek re-election.

It will just be familiar faces on the Clarendon College Board of Regents where incumbents Dr. John Howard, Dr. Bill Sansing, and Jack Moreman were the only ones to sign up for office.

The Donley County Hospital Board will also have no changes as incumbent Directors Jan Farris, Jeannie Owens, Mark C. White, and Lori Howard are set to return.

There will also be no changes on the Clarendon ISD Board of Trustees where incumbents Weldon Sears and Reneé Betts were the only ones to file.

Verified by MonsterInsights