Merry Christmas to all
Donley County enacts burn ban during red flag events
Donley County Commissioners enacted a burn ban during their regular meeting Monday, December 9.
No outdoor burning is allowed 24 hours prior to or on the day of a forecasted Fire Weather Watch or a Red Flag Warning issued from the National Weather Service in Amarillo.
Under Donley County’s Burn Ban conditions, anyone engaging in outdoor burning must contact the Donley County Sheriff’s office prior to ignition and give the dispatcher a burn location, a contact phone number, and approximate burn time. The persons engaging in outdoor burning needs to be present on site of the burn until the burn is completed.
Anyone engaging in any form of outdoor burning is asked to burn with extreme caution at all times.
Forecasters can issue the watch or warning for all or selected portions within a fire weather zone. The Red Flag event is verified when the weather and fuel conditions listed below are met simultaneously for any three hours or more during the period.
The following weather and fuel conditions must be forecast to occur or already occurring before issuing a Fire Weather Watch and/or Red Flag Warning for the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles: Minimum relative humidities equal to or less than 15 percent; 20 foot winds of 20 mph or higher and/or gusts to 35 mph or higher; and an NFDRS adjective fire danger rating of “high” or higher.
For additional information regarding, log onto www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/ or contact the National Weather Service in Amarillo.
The burn ban will stay in effect for the next 90 days.
In other county business Monday, commissioners approved Justice of the Peace Denise Bertrand’s request to lead up a group of people to decorate the courthouse lawn for Christmas next year. County Judge Jack Hall said Bertrand will work on planning the effort, and the county will put money into the project over a three-year period.
Commissioners also approved a contract for assessment and collection services presented by the Donley Appraisal District, and the court voted to cast the county’s support to Jerry Green and Bonnie Campbell for seats on the appraisal district board.
A motion was approved to authorize the county’s participation in the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool.
Dedicated service
Editorial: Let a unified Chamber lead the way
The Christmas spirit is alive in Clarendon with special programs and opportunities at every turn. Several organizations are doing their part to make this season brighter for those less fortunate, and local businesses are working hard to provide fun activities for local families while encouraging them to shop at home.
This holiday season there is reason to be optimistic about Clarendon and Donley County. If you look, you can see signs of progress and hints of good things to come. We have a city council that is working together in a positive manner; and while there may be an occasional disagreement on a particular issue, they seem to be unanimous in wanting to move our city forward.
We see signs of increased business activity in our community, and a report from the state comptroller that will be printed next week will show another month of dramatically increased sales tax revenues for Clarendon. We have welcomed new businesses to Kearney Street where, again, we see signs of improvement, most notably with the Mulkey Theatre lighting the way.
But one area that we still need to improve on is working together in our business community by furthering the revitalization of the Chamber of Commerce.
It is exciting to see a new event – the Clarendon Christmas Bazaar – being held this weekend, sponsored by the Chamber and organized by some of its newest board members. And it is exciting also to see the return of Late Night Shopping in downtown. These are great opportunities for local citizens and local businesses. But in your editor’s observation, coordination of the two events has been something of a problem because we have the Chamber doing one and the Merchants Association doing the other and sometimes there has been something lost in the communication between the two groups.
Which brings up the question of why do we have two groups that really should have the same goal? That goal, of course, being the promotion and fostering of commerce in our city. It would be for the good of the entire community for there to be one organization that all businesses could join and have everyone rowing in the same direction.
The logical outlet for such a movement would the Chamber of Commerce, but for such an idea to be successful though, the Chamber needs to further the revitalization it has been experiencing. This column has in the past called for certain reforms to be adopted by the Chamber, and some have been implemented. But for us to really get on the road to progress more needs to be done.
In addition to restructuring the Chamber’s member benefits and dues structures, the primary reform needs to be to the Chamber board itself. This is not to slight any current board member, but we need the dues-paying members of the Chamber to take a stake in the organization and get more involved with its leadership. The organization has not had a full board for more than a year, and board members are only supposed to serve three years before stepping aside.
The Chamber has been fortunate to attract some energetic new members, but again more people need to get involved in the process. The most needed reform is that we need to have an actual election of board members. The Chamber, this month, needs to put forth a slate of board nominees (which can include current board members), accept other nominations from its members, and then mail ballots to the members or hold a general membership meeting. Once the new board is elected, officers should be elected from the board.
In this way the Chamber will best represent its members, and a member-driven organization led by local business people can effectively lead efforts to promote commerce in Clarendon and Donley County.
A wise man, the late Dr. Charles Deyhle, told your editor more than once that there is nothing that people of Clarendon cannot accomplish if they would work together, and he’s right. So too it is with our businesses if they worked together toward common goals under the unified umbrella of a reformed Chamber of Commerce. We all want the same thing – a vibrant downtown, successful businesses across our community, and growth for Donley County. Let’s join together to make those goals reality.
Boat racers
The Bridge goes digital and completes expansion project
The Bridge’s capital expansion campaign entitled, Building a Stronger Bridge for a Brighter Tomorrow, has been completed. The Center located at 804 Quail Creek, Amarillo, has finalized construction and will host an open house on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 4-6 p.m.
In January 2012, The Bridge embarked on a capital campaign in order to expand the existing facility, adding new offices, and a brand new Education Conference Center. This goal was initiated through a strategic plan which involved the board, staff and representatives from partner agencies. In May 2013, funding of the more than $600,000 project was complete. The renovation added approximately 1800 square feet to the existing building and a garage to house vehicles used in rural travel.
“We are excited to have completed construction of our project and show the community our new Education Conference Center. We are grateful to everyone that has supported us in our efforts,” Says April Leming, Executive Director of The Bridge. Major contributors to the project include: Amarillo Area Foundation, Dr. Kent Roberts and Ilene Balliett Foundation, C.J. and Syble Fowlston Charitable Trust, Gilliland Family Foundation, Mary E. Bivins Foundation, High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation, Josephine Anderson Charitable Trust, The J.E. and L. E. Mabee, Mays Foundation, Meadows Foundation, several anonymous donors, individual donors and the board and staff of The Bridge.
Also new at The Bridge, is a digital upgrade of its forensic interview equipment. The upgrade has been made to each location of The Bridge and to mobile interview equipment used in rural areas. The Bridge’s main location is in Amarillo and has satellite offices in Pampa, Dumas and Hereford. The improvement of this mobile forensic technology will go a long way to help underserved child victims of abuse in our area,” said Leming. “We are grateful to the Governor’s Office and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) for providing the resources that will significantly increase the availability of services and resources for underserved children and families who have been victimized by sexual abuse.”
Law enforcement, prosecution and Child Protective Services across the state rely on trained staff at children’s advocacy centers (CACs) to conduct forensic interviews of suspected child victims and witnesses. CAC forensic interviewers are professionally trained to interview children about their experience in a non-leading, legally defensible manner. This interview is digitally recorded and often becomes a key piece of evidence in these difficult cases. Traditionally, interviews are conducted onsite at a local CAC. These facilities provide a neutral, child-focused environment which can lessen the trauma to victims and families.
Unfortunately, some suspected child victims are unable to travel to our center due to geographic distance and/or hospitalization. The use of mobile forensic interview equipment alleviates such barriers by allowing investigators and interviewers to travel to the child. The equipment package includes a video camera, a specially-equipped laptop and microphone.
The Bridge CAC in Amarillo is no stranger to having to cover a large territory with one full facility and three satellite offices. The Bridge covers 26 Texas counties with a staff of 10. This equipment will bring the technology to the 21st century, allowing interviews to be recorded digitally.
The Bridge (www.bridgecac.org) was the first children’s advocacy center in the state of Texas, opening its doors in 1989. The Bridge started utilizing mobile forensic interview (MFI) equipment in 1995; however this equipment required heavy lifting and a large vehicle to transport. In 1996, The Bridge went to Amarillo Media Systems to look for a better solution and they were able to deliver developing a concept that is still utilized today but has made advancements in the recording process through the years. Through the use of MFI equipment, The Bridge has been able to reach more victims who cannot travel to one of their facilities due to distance or other circumstances. This method has been proven to be a creative and efficient way to deliver high quality services to children in all 26 counties.
Since that time, the Bridge has provided services to more than 20,000 children who have been victims or witnesses of crime in the Texas Panhandle. In 2012, the Bridge interviewed 1,038 children in the Texas Panhandle, and provided community education to more than 3,000 adults and safety education programs to more than 700 children, ages 5-10. The Bridge strives to bring a comprehensive approach to child abuse investigation, facilitating communication among 72 partner agencies in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Our Mission is: To Provide a Child’s Path to Healing and Justice.
McAnear All-District quarterback
By Sandy Anderberg
Senior Clarendon football player Chance McAnear has been unanimously selected as the District 1-1A quarterback by the participating teams in the district. McAnear has been instrumental in the success of the Clarendon Broncos all four years of his high school football career. Fellow senior Tres Hommel was also selected to the team as a defensive lineman and has also been a standout for the Broncos while at CHS. Stratford, Sunray, Panhandle, and Memphis also had selections to the team.
Other awards were given as well. The Coach of the Year award went to Eddie Metcalf from Stratford. Rett Schoonover was the District Most Valuable Player, Tyler Hall from Panhandle was the offensive player of the year, and Ezequiel Rodriguez from Memphis was selected as the defensive player of the year.
Several Clarendon players were selected to the All-District Second Team as well. Selected as receivers were Zack LaRoe and Cedrick McCampbell. David Johnston was named to the defensive line and Dustin Crump and Zach Watson captured linebacker selections. Chance McAnear and Charles Mason were named to the team as secondary players. Head Coach Gary Jack noted that several players received honorable mentions as well. Those honored on offense were Tres Hommel, David Johnston, Zach Cornell, Jonathon Cartwright, Brandon Miller, Charles Mason, Zack Watson, Montana Hysinger, Caleb Cobb, and Taylon Knorpp. Defensive honors went to Zach Cornell, Zack LaRoe, Montana Hysinger, Caleb Cobb, Bryce Hatley, and Taylon Knorpp.
The District also recognizes an Academic All-District Team. Named to the academic team are Chance McAnear, David Johnston, Zach Cornell, Cedrick McCampbell, Montana Hysinger, Caleb Cobb, and Bryce Hatley. Congratulations to all those receiving All-District honors.
Broncos defeat Groom
By Sandy Anderberg
Chance McAnear brought the heat against the Groom Tigers on the road last Tuesday night and racked up 19 points in the Broncos’ 48-40 win. Several Broncos stepped up the intensity of their game and aided in the win.
Clarendon had the upper hand on the Tigers, never relinquishing their lead after each period of play. They stayed focused throughout and earned the win with their biggest lead of the game.
“We did a good job of crashing the offensive boards,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “We just need to get better at finishing our shots. We were able to extend the lead in the fourth quarter and get the win.”
Also scoring: Cedrick McCampbell 9, JoJo Cartwright 5, Ashton Smith 5, Charles Mason 3, Bryce Hatley 3, Chance Lockhart 3, and Chesson Sims 1.
The Broncos will play at home on Tuesday, December 17, against Valley beginning at 8:00 p.m. They will play in the Canadian Tournament over the Christmas holidays.
Lady Broncos slam Groom
By Sandy Anderberg
The Lady Broncos made the game look easy as they rolled to a 66-15 win over the Groom Lady Tigers Tuesday night.
The Lady Broncos were on fire in the first half of play and played strong defense to hold the Lady Tigers scoreless in the first half of play. Taylor Degrate added 18 points in the game, Brittney Braim helped with 13, and Taylor Gaines added 11. Head coach Molly Weatherred was more than pleased with the effort.
“We started the game off with a lot of energy on the defensive end, which allowed us to get steals and shoot layups to jump start our offense,” Weatherred said. “I thought we ran the floor well and did a great job of getting the ball to the open girl.”
Also scoring: Ryann Starnes 7, Deborah Howard 6, Phara Berry 6, Camra Smith 3, and Haley Ferguson 2.
The ladies will play Valley at home December 17 at 6:30 pm and participate in the Canadian Tournament after Christmas.
Campaign promotes Merry Christmas law
By David Maly, Texas Tribune
Politicians, advocates and even a Santa Claus turned up at the Capitol on Monday to promote a new law that aims to protect Texans’ right to wish one another “Merry Christmas.”
Texas Values, a faith-based political advocacy organization, on Monday hosted an educational event to make sure that parents, students and others know about House Bill 308, the so-called Merry Christmas Law that the Texas Legislature passed this year. The law is meant to to ensure that public school districts can educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations and can use traditional winter greetings, such as “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah,” without fear of litigation.
“School districts for too long have either wanted to or thought that they had to be speech police,” Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, said Monday.
Critics of the law, however, say the Texas Values campaign is unnecessary, because the right to say “Merry Christmas” and use other holiday expressions was never at risk.
“It’s crazy to think that somehow there is a war on Christmas when the vast majority of people celebrate Christmas,” said Dan Quinn, a spokesman for Texas Freedom Network, a political organization that advocates for the separation of church and state.
Saenz told The Texas Tribune on Friday that one has only to look to recent conflicts in public schools to see the need for the law and the Texas Values campaign.
“For many years, there have been court cases in the state of Texas where students have been restricted from making these expressions and told that they cannot say ‘Merry Christmas,’ and even not being allowed to wear the colors red and green at parties during this time of year,” Saenz said.
He pointed to a recent instance at Nichols Elementary School in Frisco in which a member of the parent teacher association who was organizing a “Winter Party” sent out an email forbidding red, green, Christmas trees and references to Christmas or other religious holidays at the party.
Following local media coverage and concern from state Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Frisco, the association released a statement reassuring the public that the school was in compliance with the new law.
“Our December celebration is called a ‘Winter Party’ in an effort to include all holidays celebrated in our Nichols community,” the statement said. “Our effort is focused on allowing all children to celebrate any winter holiday without excluding anyone.”
Saenz said the Frisco incident and recent court cases, including a federal lawsuit against Katy Independent School District over removing a Christmas card from a fundraiser sale and other actions, are evidence that the campaign is necessary. Lawsuits against school districts can be costly for taxpayers, so he said it’s important to make sure the new law is followed.
Saenz said the campaign, which also uses radio ads in major Texas cities, is mainly meant to educate students and parents about the law, so that they can advocate for themselves if school districts attempt to restrict holiday expressions that the law allows.
But Quinn, of the Texas Freedom Network, said he believes the intent of the Texas Values campaign promoting the law is more secular in nature than religious.
“It’s a great fundraising tactic for them,” Quinn said.
Justin Butterfield, a staff attorney for Liberty Institute, a national organization that advocates for religious freedom, said the Merry Christmas Law simply makes clear what is allowed under the US Constitution and what’s not.
“It sets those bright-line rules and makes things a lot easier for the school districts, the parents, the students and for everyone involved,” Butterfield said.
State Rep. Dwayne Bohac, R-Houston, who authored the legislation, said states, such as Oklahoma, are making similar proposals.
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