New faces
Signaling change
Howardwick calls for special election
The Howardwick Board of Aldermen called for a special election to fill two vacant offices during their regular meeting last Tuesday, August 8.
The election will be held November 7 for the purpose of filling the unexpired terms of former mayor Mike Rowland and former alderman Sam Grider.
Rowland resigned and walked out of the city’s July 11 meeting after public comments reportedly got out of hand. Grider resigned from the Board of Aldermen three days later.
Citizens have until 5 p.m. on September 6 to sign up for the special election. Howardwick City Hall said Monday that no one has yet signed up for the mayor’s position, which expires in May 2019. Donald Holladay has signed up to run for Grider’s term, which expires in May 2018.
Holladay was the city’s maintenance worker, but he also resigned the same day Grider did. Mayor Pro-tem Eric Riddle said last month that friction between Holladay and Code Enforcement Officer Will Jordan resulted in name calling at the July 11 meeting.
In other city business last week, Riddle thanked citizens who volunteered to patch roads and announced a $500 donation from resident Charlie Davis to go towards the roads. Riddle also thanked Jordan for volunteering his time to install the new door locks at City Hall.
The board approved motions to approve bids on lots in Howardwick as presented and authorized Foster & Lambert to conduct the city’s annual audit.
City boosts downtown projects
Efforts to revitalize downtown Clarendon were ratified and supplemented last week when the City Council blessed action taken by the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation and also authorized borrowing $350,000 for renovations to the Mulkey Theatre multi-purpose venue.
During their regular meeting August 10, city aldermen passed a resolution approving the CEDC’s August 7 action to borrow $650,000 on a 20-year term with the funds going to the city’s water recreation project and the Mulkey multi-purpose facility. The note will be paid for by economic development sales tax revenues that are already being collected.
The city council also approved a resolution authorizing the city to borrow $350,000 on a 20-year term secured by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, which is paid by lodgers staying in local hotels.
The combined actions of the city and CEDC will give community leaders $1 million for the two downtown projects. Half the money would be used for the pool project, which combined with other donations and pledges will more than cover a $500,000 challenge grant put up by an anonymous donor two years ago. That will give the city just under $1.3 million for the project, which puts it in a good position to apply for funds from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to bolster that effort even further.
The second half of the borrowed funds would put $500,000 earmarked for the completion of the Mulkey Theatre project, which will serve not only as a movie theatre but also as a multi-use facility for live performances, public meetings, conferences, and other activities.
Also at last Thursday’s city meeting, Jack Moreman and Dick Bode with the Donley County Soil & Water Conservation District addressed the board with concerns about the proposed location for the water recreation facility on city-owned land at Fourth and Kearney east of the Clarendon Post Office. Specifically, Moreman and Bode were concerned about possible flooding in that location.
City Administrator David Dockery presented information on engineering surveys and said that by the time flood water reaches the site of the proposed facility, the Post Office, the senior citizens building, and USDA’s own offices will be flooded as well.
Bode and Moreman expressed their support for the pool project, but also stressed the importance of maintaining levees south of town, which protect downtown from major flooding.
Dockery also updated city aldermen on the status of the USDA-funded water system improvement project, which is waiting for rights of way to be signed off on by all parties before going out for bids.
District court sentences local woman to state prison
A Clarendon woman was sentenced to prison last week when the District Court heard two Donley County cases among 31 pleas in Childress August 10.
District Attorney Luke Inman, assisted by Harley Caudle, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding.
Tammy Delaine White pleaded true to allegations listed in the State’s Motion to Adjudicate and was sentenced to six years in the Institutional Division of TDCJ for the third degree felony offense of forgery against an elderly person.
White, 53 from Clarendon, originally pleaded to the charges from the November 14, 2012, offense in Donley County on June 3, 2013. The State filed the motion to adjudicate on June 7, 2017, alleging five violations of community supervision.
White is also required to pay $473 in court costs to Donley County.
Miguel Angel Padilla was placed on probation for a period of two years for the Class A misdemeanor offense of unlawful use of a criminal instrument. Padilla pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Padilla, 26 from Houston, was arrested by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Miranda Betts in Donley County for the offense that took place on November 10, 2016. Padilla pleaded to an information filed by the State on January 12, 2017.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Padilla was required to pay an upfront fine of $4,000 to Donley County, $458 in court costs, $180 drug lab restitution, and successfully complete 100 hours of community service. If Padilla violates probation, he could face up to one year in the Donley County Jail.
The court also heard four Donley County cases last Tuesday, August 8, among 34 please in Panhandle.
Keaton Kenneth Maher was placed on probation for a period of three years for the third degree felony offense of possession of a controlled substance. Maher pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Maher, 24 from Century, Fla., was arrested by DPS Trooper Justin Dillman in Donley County for the offense that took place on October 17, 2016. Maher pleaded to an information filed by the State on July 10, 2017.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Maher was required to pay a fine of $3,000 to Donley County, $458 in court costs, $180 drug lab restitution, successfully complete 200 hours of community service, and a $500 probation transfer fee. If Maher violates probation, he could face up to ten years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.
Eduardo Francisco Rocha was placed on probation for a period of two years for the Class A misdemeanor offense of unlawful use of a criminal instrument. Rocha pleaded to an information filed by the State on July 18, 2017 and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Rocha, 45 from Keller, Texas, was arrested in Donley County by DPS Trooper Lynn Mays for the offense that took place on November 3, 2016.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Rocha was required to pay an upfront fine of $4,000 to Donley County, $458 in court costs, $180 lab restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Rocha violates probation, he could face up to one year in the Donley County Jail.
Ettore Andrew Visco was placed on probation for a period of two years for the Class A misdemeanor offense of unlawful use of a criminal instrument. Visco pleaded to an information filed by the State on July 18, 2017, and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Visco, 29 from Watauga, Texas, was arrested by Mays in Donley County for the offense that took place on November 3, 2016.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Visco was required to pay an upfront fine of $4,000 to Donley County, $458 in court costs, $180 lab restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Visco violates probation, he could face up to one year in the Donley County Jail.
Sahid Hiram Purentes was placed on probation for a period of two years for the Class A misdemeanor offense of unlawful use of a criminal instrument. Puentes pleaded to an information filed by the State on January 18, 2017 and was placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.
Puentes, 31 from Houston, was arrested in Donley County by DPS Trooper Kendall Styles for the offense that took place on November 1, 2016.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Puentes was required to pay an upfront fine of $4,000 to Donley County, $458 in court costs, $180 lab restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Puentes violates probation, he could face up to one year in the Donley County Jail.
CISD employs new app to stop bullying
Clarendon ISD has enrolled with STOPit, the leading technology platform for schools that deters and controls harmful or inappropriate conduct.
STOPit empowers students with an easy app to safely and anonymously report anything of concern to school officials – from cyberbullying to threats of violence or self-harm. STOPit empowers students to stand up for themselves and others while giving our schools the insight we need to keep students safe.
“I am excited about this program. I hope it allows our students to feel safe in reporting situations like bullying, including cyber-bullying, to help themselves or others,” stated Jenae Ashbrook, school counselor.
With STOPit, students can submit anonymous reports containing text, photos, or video. Administrators are then able to manage incidents in a backend management system called DOCUMENTit.
DOCUMENTit provides efficient and powerful investigative tools to our staff, including the ability to message with the reporter, which will allow us to address issues instantly.
STOPit does more than just help schools address incidents and mitigate risk. STOPit will also help us go beyond reacting to bullying and inappropriate behavior, and instead start deterring it.
As young people continue to engage more with technology every day, we are taking a proactive step to empower our students to become Upstanders in our community in the way that they feel most comfortable. We believe our adoption of STOPit is an important step in our continued effort to provide a positive school climate and a safe learning environment for our students.
Our STOPit program launch is scheduled for August 2017.
STOPit is the leading technology company providing a comprehensive software platform that mitigates, deters and controls bullying, including cyberbullying, harassment and other harmful or inappropriate conduct. To learn more about STOPit, please visit www.stopsolutions.com.
Cecil Harvey McQueen
Cecil Harvey “C.H.” McQueen, 98, died Tuesday, August 8, 2017, in Clarendon.
Services will be held Friday, August 11, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Robertson’s Saints Roost Chapel in Clarendon with David Lee McQueen officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 10, 2017, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Robertson Funeral Directors.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Cecil Harvey “C.H.” McQueen was born October 8, 1918, in Whitewright to Robert Cecil McQueen and Ora Ellena Atkins McQueen. He was a resident of Goodnight before moving to Clarendon, 25 years ago. He married Bobbie Gilliam on October 30, 2001, in Clarendon. He worked most his life as a diesel mechanic. He attended the Brown Ranch Baptist Church. He enjoyed ranching, working cattle, and taking care of his horses.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother James Benjamin “J.B.” McQueen; 5 sisters Cleo Cook, Arlene Bennett, Lillian Gould, Vera Cullins, and June Sutherland; and 1 son James Martin “J.M.” McQueen
He is survived by his wife Bobbie McQueen of Clarendon; 4 sons Cecil Van McQueen and wife Norma of Pampa, Danny Catlett of Amarillo, Andy Catlett of Jacksboro, and Lowell Catlett of Las Cruces, New Mexico; 3 daughters Patricia Burch and husband Raymond of Amarillo, Becky Dzamko of Clarendon, and Loretta Austin of Stanhope, IA; 1 daughter-in-law Carol McQueen of Raleigh, NC; 18 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and numerous great-great grandchildren
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be sent to the Cowboy Church in Clarendon or a charity of your choosing.
Joseph Raymond Zeyen, Jr.,
Joseph Raymond Zeyen, Jr., 68, died Tuesday, August 1, 2017, in Amarillo.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Burial will be at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, Louisiana.
Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon & Charlet Funral Home in Zachary, Louisiana
Joe was born to Joseph and Dorothy Morris on February 12, 1949, in San Diego, CA. He was later adopted by his step father, Joseph Zeyen.
Joe served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam where he was wounded six times and was awarded the Purple Heart.
On June 4, 1993, Joe married the love of his life, Theresa Kosack, in Reno, Nevada.
Joe was a resident of Clarendon since 1995. Joe volunteered with the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department where he served a fire chief for 7 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristy; 3 brothers, a sister and brother-in-law.
He is survived by his wife Theresa; step mother Dora Morris of Louisiana; children, Michale Wagoner, Renee Zeyen and Kevin Zeyen all of Oregon; brothers, Michael Morris & Troy Morris both of Louisiana; sister’s, Karen Brand of Ohio, Carla Needham and Kelly Crawford of Louisiana; a niece he thought of as a daughter, Sherri Sullivan and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gaylen L. Frederiksen
Gaylen L. Frederiksen of Howardwick passed away Tuesday, August 1, in Amarillo. Services were held on Sunday afternoon August 6, 2017, at the First Baptist Church in Groom, with Brother Andy Dietz officiating. Graveside services followed the service at the Groom Cemetery. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon. Viewing will be held Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home.
Gaylen was born in Groom August 24, 1948, to Leroy and Cynthia Edna (Tucker) Frederiksen. He married the love of his life Margie Lee Fraser Frederiksen June 27, 1964. After Margie’s passing in 2009, he was blessed with another beautiful life love in Judy Kay Rentfro Frederiksen and they married on February 15, 2016. She was mom’s best friend and is a true blessing to the family and Pops told us to take care of the “Sherriff”.
Gaylen and Margie were blessed with three beautiful children and six beautiful grandchildren, Sean Frederiksen and wife Mitsi (Madlynne & Ryne), Terri Mathis and husband Mark (Cody & Joshua), and GaLyn Coffman and Robert (Hunter & Conner) all of Amarillo. A brother, Lanny Frederiksen of Amarillo, an aunt, Mina Lou Tucker of St Louis, MO., Brother in Laws John Fraser III and wife Patsy and Clifford Fraser all of Groom and ten nephews and nieces and many cousins spread far and wide.
Gaylen grew up in a hurry as he had to provide for a family at an early age. He began his formal working career at Western Stockyards Amarillo Livestock Auction in 1968 leaving in 1988 to pursue the life he was made for of running momma cows and doing a little farming along the way. He loved to be around cattle and made it his passion for the next 29 years. He attended many sporting events for his children and grandchildren who will dearly miss their Pawpaw. He loved Old Westerns, RFDTV, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He had a loving gentle and giving soul and would do anything for anyone who asked. His infectious smile, laugh, and sharp wit will be dearly missed. He never met a stranger and everywhere he went he would someone he knew. He loved the Lord and accepted him into his life when he was nine and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Groom. The little ones there will miss his bubble gum. Please make donations to the First Baptist Church of Groom, Groom Cemetery, or Groom EMS. (“Come on Marg, Let’s Go!”)
CEDC advances downtown projects
The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation gave a boost to downtown revitalization Monday night, approving measures to secure the challenge grant for the city’s water recreation project, put the completion of the Mulkey Theatre project on track, and remodel an eyesore building at the intersection of US 287 and Kearney Street.
CEDC board members approved borrowing $650,000 on a 20-year term with the funds going to the water recreation project and the Mulkey multi-purpose facility. The note will be paid for by economic development sales tax revenues that are already being collected.
The Clarendon City Council is expected to follow the CEDC’s action Thursday night by approving a 20-year loan of $350,000 secured by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, which is paid by lodgers staying in local hotels.
The combined actions of the city and CEDC will give community leaders $1 million for local projects. Half the money would be used to for the pool project, which combined with other donations and pledges will more than cover the $500,000 challenge grant put up by an anonymous donor two years ago.
The remaining $500,000 would go towards the completion of the Mulkey Theatre project, which will serve not only as a movie theatre but also as a multi-use facility for live performances, public meetings, conferences, and other activities. The CEDC has been working on the Mulkey as funds have been available since 2008.
CEDC board members also approved two proposals totaling $21,251 to renovate the former Clarendon Steakhouse building at 118 S. Kearney. The work would include installing new storefront windows and doors and refinishing the stucco façade.
The building was purchased by the CEDC in 2015 after it was heavily damaged by an automobile. A new roof has already been put on the building, and the CEDC hopes to attract a business to that location with a lease-purchase agreement.
Board members also discussed the CEDC’s façade grant program, which encourages local business owners to fix up their properties. No action was taken, but discussion centered on suspending the program at the end of the current fiscal year on September 30 and reintroducing it in fiscal year 2018 with a focus on encouraging more historic renovations to properties downtown.
Reader Comments