The Big Winner
Cheer camp
Terrapin handlers
Large crowd gathers to celebrate Fourth of July
Beautiful weather greeted a patriotic crowd gathered on the Courthouse Square last Saturday, July 2, for the 139th 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, Chloe Newton was first, Gunner Williams was second, and Leylin Henderson third. Haylin Bivens won the 5-8 age group with Makenna Williams second and Justus McAnear third. The 9 and up age group was won by Kennadie & Tandie Cummins, Henry Bivens second. 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. Saints’ Roost Museum took Grand Champion and best float, Shawn Barker won best car or truck, No Gutter Ranch of Canadian won best tractor or farm equipment, Doyle Littlefield family won best riding unit, and best “other” entry went to the Bronco boys’ basketball team.
The annual Craft Fair drew a big crowd to the courthouse square with an impressive number of vendors; and the Chamber of Commerce recognized Johnny Leathers age 95 as the Oldest Settler.
The Al Morrah Shrine Club served 749 plates of barbecue, slightly down from the 771 plates served 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. Sandy Thornberry won the John Deere riding lawn mower given by the Junior Livestock Association in support of the Donley County Activity Center. The winners of the Courthouse Lighting Committee Penny Raffle were Kate Word and Lori Baggett, $100.00 each and Brenda hill and Nathan Zongker, $50 each.
The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association hosted a Junior Ranch Rodeo on July 4 and an open Ranch Rodeo on July 1 and 2. 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 189 participants, which was down from the 242 terrapin handlers last year. The winners were Grant Wilhelm for the 0-4 division, Josie Murillo for the 5-8 division, Kristi Gage for the 9-14 division, and Korey Conkin for the adult division. Each child division winner received $50. The adult division brought in $195, which was divided in half between the winner and the Donley County Child Welfare board.
Circle Slash wins annual COEA rodeo
Circle Slash Cattle Co. took top honors for the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association’s annual Ranch Rodeo last Friday and Saturday. Circle Slash Cattle scores beat out 20 other local and regional teams as working cowboys put their skills to the test as part of the 139th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration. The team was made up of Cayce Joe Lewis, Ky Fink, Kale Lane, Quincy Carlton, and Brady Biery.
Wilson Cattle team finished second with Rody Wilson, Chase Thompson, Kolton Burnett, and Chad Williams, and Fink Cattle placed third this year with the team of Ky Fink, Lane Barns, Drew Sageser, Derek Fink.
The Top Hand for the rodeo was Jessie Valdez, and the Top Horse award was won by Ky Fuston.
The Junior Ranch Rodeo was won by Broken Arrow with the team of Llano Bateman, Gunnir Bateman, Creed Henry, Cassidy Chambless, Brodie Rankin. The second place team was Shoe Nail Cattle Compamy with the team of Dalton Benson, Jake Baca, Lane Oles, Trey Mitchell, and Tyce Lacino. RO Ranch was third with a team of Jade Benson, Dalton Benson, Jake Baca, and Lane Oles.
Top Hand winner for the Junior Ranch Rodeo was Jake Baca, and Ry Reynolds 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 Kennadie Cummins. Overall Calf Riding Champion was Harrison Howard, the Overall Donkey Rider was Ry Reynolds, and Steer Riding champion was Levi Walden.
Nightly winners of the junior events were as follows:
July 1 – Calf Scramble – Terra McKorkle, Lany Gates, and Blake Myers; Mutton Bustin’ –Hagen Spiva; Calf Riding – Harrison Howard; Donley Riding – Jackson Graves; and Steer Riding – Collin Aston.
July 2 – Calf Scramble – Kyle Brown, Brooke Meyers, and Eliza Cooper; Mutton Bustin’ – Brylee Stanfield; Calf Riding – Harrison Howard; Donkey Riding – Sterlin Mitchell and Riggin Johnston; and Steer Riding – Levi Walden.
July 4 – Calf Scramble –Brogen Rankin, Haley Moffitt, and Levi Walden; Mutton Bustin’ – Kennadie Cummings; Calf Riding – Harrison Howard; Donkey Riding – Rye Reynolds; and Steer Riding – Levi Walden.
Beef winners this year were Bradley Hightower, Lannie Moffett, and Lindy Craft.
Georgia Nadine Hancock Myers
Georgia Nadine Hancock Myers went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 9:31 a.m., Monday, June 27, 2016. Graveside service were held on June 28, at 2:00 p.m., at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Nadine was born November 15, 1930, in Hall County to Isaac and Doshia Welch Hancock. Nadine was the only girl in the brood of Isaac and Doshia’s seven children. Nadine was spoiled by her brothers as her many stories attested.
She married Bobby Joe Myers, August 16, 1950, in Memphis. From this blessed union came three children; Lucinda Jane Myers, Joni Pat Chancellor and Dewey Bob Myers. Bobby Joe preceded her in death September 17, 2005.
Nadine was a member of the First Christian Church of Clarendon. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Nadine could always be found in her kitchen preparing delicious meals and treats for family and friends. Nadine and Bob spent most of their later married years traveling to her favorite destinations throughout Texas and beyond. She was the ‘Family Prayer Warrior’ and was continuously lifting her family and friends in prayer.
She is survived by her three children, her grandchildren, Doshia Chaison, Kathryn and J.P. Myers; her great grandchildren, Josh Holt, Jace Myers and Marlee Barbee.
Chancellor and Jones Family Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
City welcomes visitors to celebration
Clarendon is ready to welcome visitors to its 139th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration this Friday, Saturday, and Monday, July 1, 2, and 4.
The celebration begins with a Depression Luncheon Friday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crossties Ministry Center next to the Library on Kearney Street. The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association then opens its Ranch Rodeo Friday night, at 7:30 at the COEA Arena followed by a dance at 9 p.m. featuring the music of Parker McCollum.
The big day will be Saturday, July 2, following the schedule of activities established last year, beginning with the Arts & Craft Fair on the square at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Donley County 4H. The Chamber of Commerce’s Old Settlers Reunion and the Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade also begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Keith Floyd’s shop at Third and Sully.
Line up for the Herring Bank Parade will also start at 9 a.m. on Sixth Street north of Prospect Park. At 10:00, the parade will then take its usual route – north on Kearney to Third Street, west on Third to Sully, south in front of the Courthouse, and then wind back to the ball parks.
The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $200 available for the best float, $100 for the best car or truck entry, $100 for the best animal or riding unit, $100 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $100 for the best “other” entry. From those first place winners, judges will select a Grand Prize winner who will receive an additional $250. Parade winners will be announced at 1 p.m.
Entry forms for the Kids’ Parade and the Herring Bank Parade are available in this issue or at the Clarendon Visitor Center at Mulkey Theatre. Kids Parade entry forms can also be entered online at http://bit.ly/293h8lj.
Ed Montana will be handling the parade and celebration announcing and will also be performing live music during the festivities on the square.
Following the parade, the Al Morrah Shrine Club will have its annual barbecue lunch at approximately 11 a.m. and will serve until the food is gone. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the Enterprise or at the Visitor Center or on the square the day of the event.
The Clarendon Lions Club will again have Bounce Houses and Water Slides at the Lions Hall from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A five-dollar wrist band will let kids bounce and slide to their hearts’ content all day.
The annual Henson’s Turtle Race will be held on 3 p.m. on Saturday. Sign up before the race at Henson’s. No water turtles are allowed.
The COEA’s Ranch Rodeo will continue the celebration Saturday night at 7:30 with Flatland Cavalry headlining the dance at 9:00.
Rodeo box seating tickets are still available for all three nights of rodeo for $150. Contact Theresa Shelton for 654-2993 for information.
Activities for Monday, July 4, will begin with a flag retirement ceremony hosted by the Clarendon Girl Scouts on the courthouse lawn at 10:00 a.m. The public is invited to this solemn occasion.
The Clarendon Country Club will hold an 18-hole scramble Monday afternoon at 1 p.m., and a Washer Pitching Tournament will be held at the COEA Arena grounds with sign-ups beginning at 1 p.m. and the tournament starting at 2 p.m. There is a $30 fee per two-man team to enter the washer tournament.
The celebration will close out Monday night with the Junior Ranch Rodeo at the COEA Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.
FFA contest draws hundreds to CC
The Clarendon College campus was crowded early last week as more than 400 people showed up for the annual Area I FFA Leadership Camp.
CC Director of Ag Programs Johnny Treichel said 340 students were on campus accompanied by 85 teachers. The group represented about 60 of the 96 schools in the FFA’s Area I, which is bordered by Lubbock County on the south and extends north the width of the Texas Panhandle.
“It was pretty successful,” Treichel said. “I was told the hotel was full all three days, and one restaurant owner told me that he was very busy for three days also.”
Best Western Red River Inn proprietor Steve Hall echoed Treichel’s comments about the event’s economic impact.
“We had a lot of ag teachers who helped fill us up those nights,” Hall said. “It’s a nice event.”
Hall said events like the FFA Leadership Conference contribute to CC having a significant impact on his business, and he said the college itself was a strong factor when he invested in the hotel property here.
Clarendon High School FFA student Chardy Craft was one of the students in attendance and said she enjoyed the camp.
“I get to meet new people and it’s a great experience for leadership,” Craft said. “I’ve learned a lot of new skills that I will definitely put to use in the future.”
The event which began in 1969 is an excellent opportunity for Clarendon College to recruit kids from the Panhandle and South Plains.
“It’s a major recruiting tool for us,” Treichel said. “I think you could put a figure of 10 percent on it as the number of kids who will become our students if you understand that some of those are dual credit.”
CC President Robert Riza also said the event is a chance for good kids to get acquainted with Clarendon College.
“Outside of the economic impact, this event is a great opportunity to showcase the college and the community to potential students who are examples of what’s right with the Texas Panhandle, the state, and the nation,” Riza said.
The camp at Clarendon College is modeled after the state FFA leadership camp, and Area I officers actually run the programs at the camp with the support of adult sponsors and employees of the college.
Editorial: Past repeats itself in our news items
Delving into the depths of the past, we present to you for the 20th time our annual Pioneer Edition of The Donley County Leader, included in this week’s Enterprise.
This special section has become a favorite of our readers and advertisers and is certainly a favorite of your editor. For a lover of history, it is easy to become lost in the archives as one story leads to another or the hunt to identify a mystery photo becomes consuming.
It has always struck me as remarkable the ways history repeats itself. Looking back, the current news of the day often bears striking resemblance to the news of yesteryear.
One of the first articles that emerged as we prepared for this year’s Leader, was an early 20th century story about street improvements – presumably just grading – that was being done by the city. The work met with great approval from the people of the day… but unfortunately funds had run out to go any further. The story of our lives.
That story didn’t make the cut for this edition. But others did.
In trying to learn more about a photo of the Pastime Theatre, we ran across a topic in 1935 that seemed just as relevant today as it was eight decades ago… an effort to light what we now know as Bronco Stadium. There was a series of articles building up the idea of lighting the football field, the effort to raise funds for the project, and then ultimately the lighting of the field. Unfortunately for the old Bronchos, the first lighted game – which should have resulted in greater “athleticism” in the cooler night temperatures – ended up in our first loss of the year to the visiting Shamrock team.
It was interesting also that eight light poles were installed in 1935. And from a story we ran earlier this month, six light poles were installed in the 1970s and were replaced with just four light poles this year. Forty years hence, will Bronco Stadium be lit by just two light poles or perhaps a hovering drone that bathes the entire field in artificial sunlight?
We also recently ran a story about commissioners taking on the job of trimming trees on the courthouse lawn. County Judge John Howard told your editor that the county felt the work was necessary because there were dead limbs that could fall and hurt someone. Compare that then to the 1935 article in which my great grandfather called on the county to trim the deadwood from the courthouse trees because a visiting editor had his face lacerated by a dead limb on the courthouse square.
Speaking of family connections, your editor sometimes gets hung up on bits of trivia that may not mean much to the general public but is of high interest to him. This year, we uncovered the obituary of my great, great grandmother, Calista Miller Estlack, who died in 1933 at the age of 74. I posted on my personal Facebook page that article detailing the life of this hearty pioneer woman who did her part to settle the West. And that set off a virtually viral reaction among my cousins and resulted in the exchanging of photos of our ancestor that some of us had never seen.
All this makes me wonder what Ben or Ella or their grandkids might find fascinating after I am long laid to rest in Citizens Cemetery. Will they be as fascinated with our lives as we are of those who came before us? Will they find interest in our weekly struggles and victories?
More importantly, I wonder if our generation is upholding the words of former Mayor W.H. Patrick who called on his fellow citizens in 1938 to “rededicate our lives and talents – our all – to the perpetuity of the pioneer spirit in our beloved land of the Southwest,” and if we are properly passing that determination and those virtues on to our children.
Donley County folks come from hearty stock and we are proud to take this moment to remember those old pioneers who came before us. Let us honor them by continuing to work to improve this place we call home.
We hope you enjoy this year’s Donley County Leader, and we wish you all a very glorious Independence Day.
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