Fair weather greets annual July Fourth celebration
Cool, calm weather greeted a patriotic crowd gathered on the Courthouse Square last Thursday, July 4, for the 136th 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. There were 27 participants in the 1-4 age category, and the winners were first place Braxton Gribble, second place Caleb Askew & Kassie Askew, and third place was Keiden Moody. The 5-8 age division had 34 participants, and the winners were first place Kyndall Shields, second place Maloree Wann, and third place Tandie & Kennadie Cummins. The 9 and up category had seven 7 participants, and the winners were first place Ashleigh Hatfield, second place Jordan Johnson, and third place Coby Pryer.
In the 0-4 age group, Kyndall Shields was first, Meredith Artho was second, and Elliott Frausto was third. Braxton Gribble won the 5-8 age group with MaKenna Shadle second and Molley Davis third. The 9-12 age group was won by Keeden Moody, Davis Conklin was second, and Jaxon Robertson was third. Ethan Babcock was also recognized as having the first place bicycle.
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 following honorees received t-shirts from the Chamber: Tom and Lucy Saye (first place), Susie Shields and Walt Warner (second place) and Douglas Shelton (third place).
The Al Morrah Shrine Club served 543 plates of barbecue, down significantly from 717 last year and 800 the year before. 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.
That afternoon, the Western Parade delighted kids of all ages as floats, riding units, emergency vehicles, and other entries wound their way from City Park through downtown and back again. The Donley County 4-H Club took first place among all parade entries, the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team was second, and the Clarendon Girl Scouts’ were third.
Several organizations held fundraisers during the celebration. The winners of the Lions Club Cow Patty Bingo were Misty Baker, $250, and Adenia Baird and Cynthia Lindley, $50 each. Danny Cummins won the John Deere riding lawn mower given by the Junior Livestock Association in support of the Donley County Activity Center. Louise Conley was the winner of the St. Mary’s Catholic Women Quilt Drawing. Mary Vorheis won the lawnmowing from the Howardwick Fire Department, and Rainey Etcheson won the department’s fireworks drawing.
The Cash for Kids drawing fundraiser for the Donley County Child Welfare Board raised a total of $10,000, half of which went to the grand prize winner. Security Abstract Co. owned the 100th ticket drawn and received $5,000.
Winners of the Donley County Crisis Pregnancy Center’s Beautiful Baby & Toddler Contest were Addisyn (no last name) and Jaxon Robertson.
The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association hosted a Junior Ranch Rodeo on July Fourth and an open Ranch Rodeo on July 5 and 6. Results of those events are listed in a separate article in this week’s edition.
Henson’s annual Turtle Race was held Saturday afternoon. There were altogether 206 participants, which was an increase from the 168 terrapin handlers last year. The winners were Aiden Burnam for the 0-4 division, Angeline Chavez for the 5-8 division, and Kari O’Dell for the 9-14 division. Each winner received a coin bag full of gold dollars.
Alcohol petition hits goal for vote
The petition calling for an election on legalizing alcohol sales in Donley County met the threshold for the number of signatures needed to place the issue on the November ballot.
A total of 544 legal signatures were verified on the petition, Tax Assessor-Collector Linda Crump said Tuesday. Petitioners needed 413 signatures to call an election on the question.
County Clerk Fay Vargas says the petition will now sit in her office for 30 days and will go on the Commissioners’ Court’s August 12 agenda to call the election on November 5.
Petition organizer Jack Craft was pleased Crump’s verification and said a total of 596 signatures had been submitted to her office.
“I want to thank the people of Donley County for their support of this petition,” Craft said.
The petition as presented requests an election be held countywide to allow the sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed drinks.
Petition supporters have cited economic reasons for wanting to legalize alcohol, including increased sales, tax revenues, and out-of-town sponsorships for local events.
Opponents of legalization say easier availability of alcohol will lead to increases in crime, underage drinking, and other social costs.
Currently, petitioners are also busy in Hemphill County where organizers are seeking to legalize the sale of alcohol and mixed beverages in the City of Canadian. Alcohol sales began this month in Perryton after Ochiltree County voters approved legalizing package sales in May. Voters in Armstrong County also approved package sales last month. Silverton, Childress, and Shamrock have all also been voted wet in the last few years.
Wilson Cattle three-peats at Ranch Rodeo
Cowboys from Wilson Cattle made a three-peat performance as they took top honors for the third year in a row during the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association’s annual Ranch Rodeo last Friday and Saturday.
Wilson Cattle’s scores beat out 19 other local and regional teams as working cowboys put their skills to the test as part of the 136th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration. The team was made up of Rody Wilson, Tyler Rice, Jordan Satterfield, Jason Thomas, and Jessie Valdez.
The Crutch Ranch team finished second with Cody Heck, Jacke Mitchell, Hegen Lamb, and Chad Smith.
The Myers/96 Ranch was third place this year with the team of Scott Myers, Cobey Turner, Ky Finck, Garrett Manness, and Tyler Avent.
The Top Hand for the rodeo was awarded to Garrett Manness., and the Top Horse award was won Casey Jo Lewis of the Smith SJ Ranch.
This year’s total attendance for the two-day ranch rodeo and Wednesday’s junior rodeo was not available at press time, but COEA President Alex McAnear said it was lighter than he would have liked it to be.
The Junior Ranch Rodeo was won by Bar H Ranch with the team of Brody Rankin, Cy Frizzell, True Lacina, Jace Bland, and Garrett Fry. The second place team was from the Mason Quarter Horse team featuring Dalton Benson, Dee Oles, Lane Oles, Hunter Kennedy, and Casey McClesky. Happy Cattle Co. was third in the junior rodeo with a team of Jayton Walden, Cameron McCarley, Colton Carley, Jayton Smith, and Jake Duckworth.
Top Hand winner for the Junior Ranch Rodeo was Casey McClesky, and Hunter Kennedy rode the Top Horse.
Junior Calf, Donkey, and Steer Riding and Mutton Bustin’ were held all three nights. Overall Mutton Bustin’ champion for the three nights was Madi Benson. Overall Calf Riding Champion was Colton Benson, the Overall Donkey Rider was Kyle Brown, and Steer Riding champion was Jake Baca.
Nightly winners of the junior events were as follows:
July 4 – Calf Scramble – Gavin Word, Jade Benson, and Hannah Gage; Mutton Bustin’ – Madi Benson; Calf Riding – Colton Benson; Donley Riding – Coby Pryer; and Steer Riding – Jake Baca.
July 5 – Calf Scramble – Cooper McClesky, Kannen Celaham, and Jade Benson; Mutton Bustin’ – Madi Benson; Calf Riding – Cooper Oles; Donkey Riding – Dalton Benson; and Steer Riding – Jake Baca.
July 7 – Calf Scramble – Jade Benson, Colton Havens, and Cooper Huddleston; Mutton Bustin’ – Madi Benson; Calf Riding – Colton Benson; Donkey Riding – Kyle Brown; and Steer Riding – Jake Baca.
Beef winners this year were Jim Uptergrove and Samantha Golden.
CISD Board discuss school safety issues
The Clarendon ISD Board of Trustees met in regular session June 18 with a full agenda that included school safety issues and using an online solution to teach high school Spanish.
Roger and Ashlee Estlack led a discussion about the safety issues and communications at the school district during times of severe weather and crisis situations.
Mr. Estlack suggested the district review its emergency plans and offered suggestions to improve the plan, and Mrs. Estlack encouraged the board to adopt the same automated crisis communications system currently being used by the sheriff’s office and Clarendon College. Superintendent Monty Mr. Hysinger and the board will explore the options and present a resolution at a later date.
The board approved a proposal by mylanguage360 to offer online Spanish classes for the 2013-2014 school year. High School Principal Larry Jeffers said the school could cancel the agreement if a qualified instructor can be found before the fall semester starts.
Trustees also approved proposal from Texas Association of Public Schools (TAPS) for auto, liability, and property insurance coverage or the 2013-2014 school year as presented. The premium accepted was higher than a competing bid, but TAPS deductibles on wind and hail damage were more favorable to the district. A proposal from Claims Administrative Services, Inc., for a three-year plan for workers’ compensation insurance was also approved.
Bids were accepted on tax delinquent properties in Howardwick were unanimously accepted by the board.
The board met behind closed doors for 15 minutes and then accepted resignations from Kamy Whatley – Junior High Science; Shanna Shelton – Coach/Math; and Leslie A. White – fifth grade teacher; and offered a one-year probationary contract to Fran Stidham – fifth grade teacher.
Trustees accepted a proposal from Shadle Construction for paint and minor repairs to exterior door at Old Gym, boy’s locker room showers in Colt Gym, and E-Wing point-up and paint for a total of $8,650.
Marjorie Florence Brock Holland
Marjorie Florence Brock Holland, 82, died Friday, July 5, 2013 in Clarendon, Texas.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 8, 2013, at Robertson Funeral Directors Saint’s Roost Chapel with Rev. Lloyd Stice officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Marjorie Florence Brock Holland was born March 21, 1931 in Seminole, OK to
Roy D. and Oma E. Wade Brock. She moved to Donley County in 1941. She married Billy Ray Holland in Clarendon on October 3, 1952 and together they raised 4 children. Marjorie enjoyed painting, sewing, and reading but her greatest passion was her life- long devotion of selfless care to her daughter, Dena. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon.
She was preceded in death her husband, Billy Ray Holland, on Feb. 20, 2000; triplet brothers, Floyd Brock, Boyd Brock, and Lloyd Brock; twin sisters, Lorene Riley and Irene Stewart; and a brother and sister at very young ages, Louis and Norma Jean Brock.
She is survived by her son, Danny Holland, of Littlefield; 3 daughters, Deborah Merchant and husband Bob, of Amarillo, Dondra James and husband Scott, of Cabot, Ark., and Dena Holland of Clarendon; her sister, Mabel Dean Wilson, of Clarendon; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.
The family suggests that memorials be to Burton Memorial Library, Clarendon, Texas 79226.
Mary Elizabeth Gatlin
Mary Elizabeth Gatlin, infant, died Monday, July 1, 2013 in Amarillo, Texas.
Graveside services were held on Friday, July 5, 2013, in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Rev. Bill Hodges, officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Mary Elizabeth Gatlin, infant daughter of Jeremy and Katrina Gatlin was stillborn July 1, 2013.
She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents.
She is survived by her parents, Jeremy and Katrina Gatlin of Clarendon; a sister, Alana Gatlin of Clarendon; her grandmother, Kate Simmons of Amarillo; her great grandfather, Kenneth Swinney of Hedley; her aunts and uncles, Renee Miller and husband Larry of Channing, Brenda Swinney of Hedley, and Willy Lewis of Hedley.
LaRue Marjorie Shadle Pittman
LaRue Marjorie Shadle Pittman, 88, of Amarillo died Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Services were held Saturday, July 6, 2013, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with the Rev. Perry Hunsaker, minister of congregational care officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
LaRue was born on March 27, 1925, in Wise County to Thomas Marvin Shadle and Louise Koeninger Shadle. As an infant, she moved to Donley County with her parents. She graduated from Clarendon High School with the class of 1942 and from Clarendon College in 1944. She attended Texas Womens University and graduated from West Texas A&M University.
She married Robert Ray Pittman on June 30, 1946, in Clarendon. She had
been a member of First United Methodist Church of Clarendon, Polk Street United Methodist Church and Pleasant Valley United Church, where she taught Sunday school for 20 years and served in several capacities with the official board. She later became a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
LaRue taught school at Hedley High School from 1944 to 1945 and at Skellytown Grade School from 1945 to 1946. She was employed by Upshaw Insurance Agency, Realty Company and Investment Corp. from 1946 to 1966. She was employed by Amarillo College in 1966 and retired as accounting supervisor in 1987.
LaRue always said her greatest accomplishments in life were the friends she made.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Marvin Shadle, on Aug. 11, 1968; her father on Aug. 3, 1988; her husband on June 17, 2005; and her mother on Dec. 31, 2005.
Survivors include two nephews, James Dennis Shadle and wife Susie and Joe Neal Shadle and wife Raenell, all of Clarendon; two nieces Cheryl Shadle Anderson and husband Randy of Canyon and Barbara Shadle Williams and her husband Roy of Clarendon; 12 great-nieces and great-nephews; 31 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; a great-great-great-niece; a sister-in-law, Cherrye Shadle Howard of Clarendon; a brother-in-law, Billy Mae Pittman and wife Ruth of Amarillo; two nephews-in-law; seven nieces-in-law; and a number of friends who were very dear to her. Also survived by Alice Harrison and husband Edward, Verna Moore and husband Robert and Jeannie Lucas and husband Roger, all of Amarillo, Sue Keesee of Barstow, Calif., Mary Alice Bucher and husband Chuck of Houston, Nelda Wilks and husband Ronnie of Lubbock and Kathy Lott and husband Jerry of Pearl City, Ill., two nephews, Charles Lee Wood and wife Patti of Green Valley, Ariz., and Gene Wood and wife Carolyn of Holly Lake Ranch.
The family suggests memorials be to the LaRue S. Pittman Scholarship Fund, in care of Amarillo College Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178; Citizens Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 983, Clarendon, TX 79226; St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4317 Interstate 40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106; or a favorite charity.
Susan Carol Nelson Thompson
Susan Carol Nelson Thompson, 59, of Lazbuddie, Texas died Monday, July 1, 2013.
Susan was born January 24, 1954, to Teddy & Sybil Nelson in Kermit, Texas. She graduated from Wheeler High School and raised her daughters in Clarendon. She served as the secretary of the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon for several years. Susan graduated from Clarendon Jr. College in
1997 and later graduated from West Texas A&M in 2009 with a degree in teaching. She taught 6/7 grade English, History & Art at Lazbuddie ISD till her death.
She is survived by 2 daughters: Sheri D. Hall-Cox & husband Shel Cox of Dumfries, Virginia and Debi J. Hall-Betts & husband Diamond Betts of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 6 grandchildren: James M. Bollinger (21) of Lubbock, Abbygail P. Cox (10) & Joshua D. Cox (9) of Dumfries, Virginia, Gavin Z. Hall (10) of Clarendon and Dominic R. Hall (3) & Taye R. Hall (3) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 1 Brother: Larry Nelson & wife Dale of Tuttle, Oklahoma; Mother: Sybil Alexander of Amarillo; Husband: San Thompson of Clarendon and several Nieces, Nephews & Cousins.
Susan’s ashes will be laid to rest beside her Daddy at Gageby Cemetery north of Wheeler. There were no services.
Irene Sis Stephens
Church Services for Irene Sis Stephens, 86, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday July 5, 2013, at the First Baptist Church in Matador, TX with Anthony Knowles officiating. Interment will follow at East Mound Cemetery in Matado, TX under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home of Matador, TX. Sis passed away July 1, 2013 in Childress, TX.
Sis was born January 3, 1927, in Hayes, Kansas to Jack and Rose Rumsey. She graduated from Elmdale High School in 1945. Working part time and having 5 children at home she started college at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma in 1963. She transferred to West Texas State University in Canyon and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in May 1973. Sis married William Morris Stephens on May 21, 1972, at the +S Ranch in Whiteflat, Texas. She began her teaching career at Matador Elementary in August 1973. Sis continued her teaching career at Motley County Intermediate School, Crosbyton Junior High School, Childress Prison System and finally at Valley School before retirement.
She was preceded in death by eldest daughter Merry Gaye Lyons 1950, eldest grandson Jack Leon Lyons May 1994, husband William Morris Stephens November 2000, eldest son Had Franklin Lyons October 2007, granddaughter Jessica LeaNora Lyons July 2005, daughter in law Cherri Fallis Lyons March 2012.
She is survived by her children Sherry Faye White of Waynoka, OK, Matt Eugene Lyons of Woodward, OK, Luke Lynnwood Lyons of Cherokee, OK, and Shonda Kaye Martin of Clarendon, TX. She had 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Bob Rumsey, Jim Rumsey, Bill Rumsey, Patty Kaul, Annie Black, Eddie Walcott, and Larry Walcott.
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