New Chamber manager
Hedley XC runners win Groom meet
Hedley cross-country runners had a good day at the Groom competition with the Owl’s varsity coming in as the first place team.
Tyler Harper placed third with a time of 20:50.4 followed by fourth place Iziak Weatherread at 21:05.2 and fifth place Joshua Booth at 21:06.2. Hayden Alston was seventh at 21:31.4, and Astin McAllister came in 13th with a time of 22:32.0.
For the varsity Lady Owls, Cara Lambert came in third with a time of 15:21.3, and Avery Sawyer was fourth at 15:27.2. Emma Lambert finished 23rd at 17:56.7.
The Hedley Junior High boys also finished strong with Isaah Torres third, Collin Alston fourth, Javier Valez 12th, and Ethan McAllister 17th. For the junior high girls, Madison Moore was 27th, Megan Weatherread was 31st, and Oasis Myers was 34th.
Jerry Lynn Strawn
Jerry Lynn Strawn, 79 of Panhandle, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2020 following a long battle with cancer.
Jerry was born June 1, 1941, in Littlefield to Norvell and Doris Strawn. Jerry’s life was full of adventure as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, custom harvester, farmer, rancher, cowboy, team roper, golfer, story-teller, and his 24 years as Carson County Commissioner. He was married just over 60 years to the love of his life, Sharon Kay Hartzog Strawn.
Jerry graduated from Bovina High School in 1959 and enjoyed putting fear and trepidation into opposing football and basketball opponents. But more importantly, this is where he met his special Kay-Baby. Jerry and Kay married in Bovina on August 7, 1960, before moving to Lubbock to attend college. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy in 1965 at Texas Tech University, where he excelled on their Crops Judging Team. Jerry often quoted information he learned in college and could relate and translate those things to real life. He was also quite the word-smith and an excellent teacher on the farm, in county business, and in life in general.
Jerry worked his way through college, custom harvesting from South Texas to the Canadian border in the summers and working weekends on the family farm. Jerry and Kay farmed for a few years in Bovina and Stratford and then moved their family to Panhandle in 1971, farming west of town on FM 293. The family loved their new community and Jerry particularly loved serving the public.
He is well-remembered for coaching local kids basketball and baseball and he served on the Cemetery Association Board and in several positions with the Panhandle Country Club. Jerry became County Commissioner in 1986. As an active working commissioner, he also fought fires and performed disaster recovery alongside multiple local fire departments. He had a deep respect for these dedicated men and women and wanted to assist in any way possible.
As many know, Jerry loved to tell stories about his adventures and observations and everyone loved hearing them. He had an exceptional memory and retained amazing details that surprised and entertained everyone. He made friends quickly. People from all walks of life and throughout the state appreciated his stories, knowledge, and friendship. Jerry loved to make people laugh and said of himself, that he was, “Colourful with a “u’.” What pleased him even more was his family. He said he never could have had a better wife, in-laws, kids, grandkids and all of their spouses. He especially loved knowing his first great grandchild, Paddy.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Charlie Lynn Strawn, of Claude, who passed away suddenly in March.
He is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Mike and Joan Strawn, Cedar Park; daughter, Karen Strawn, Panhandle, daughter-in-law, Millie Strawn, Claude; his granddaughters, Melissa and Hunter Shelley, Spearman, Dixi Strawn and fiancee Dan Villegas, Pflugerville, and grandsons, Jerry and Sheridan Strawn, Lubbock, Charles Gordon Strawn, Claude, and Caleb and Meagan Strawn, Austin. Jerry has one great-grandson, Patrick Shelley of Spearman. He is also survived by his brother, Bill and Verna Strawn of Spearman; sister Vicki and Leon Richards of Dimmitt; and sister Judy Herring of Canyon, as well as sisters and brothers-in law, Dixi and Dick Jones, Pueblo, Colo., and Roy and Trudy Hartzog, Bovina; and many nieces and nephews, who he so loved.
Funeral services were held Saturday, September 19, 2020, at the First United Methodist Church in Panhandle with Pastor Gene Weinette officiating. Burial followed in Panhandle Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle.
In lieu of flowers his memory may be honored with a gift to the City of Panhandle EMS Dept. P.O. Box 129, Panhandle, Texas 79068 or to the City of Panhandle Fire Department, P.O. Box 129, Panhandle, Texas 79068. Please write that it is a charitable donation in memory of Jerry Strawn on the memo line of the check.
Owls fall to Vernon Northside
Bronco Court
Thornberry receives NNSA honor at Pantex
National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator & Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty and US Representative Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) were on hand August 21 for celebrated milestones at Pantex, including the NNSA’s 20th anniversary.
The NNSA is a United States federal agency responsible for safeguarding national security through the military application of nuclear science.
“In June you completed the W88 Alt 370 First Production Capability Unit (FPCU) disassembly and inspection, which will be analyzed and incorporated prior to the start of the First Production Unit,” said Gordon-Hagerty.
“Similarly, the B61-12 Life Extension Program’s FPCU is targeted for this month. This L-E-P will improve the weapon’s safety, effectiveness, and security, and extend its service life by at least 20 years.”
Gordon-Hagerty noted that in 1999, Congressman Thornberry introduced a bill that served as the foundation for the NNSA Act that was signed into law later that year, along with his presence at the creation when Congress established the NNSA. He thanked her for her leadership and the Pantex workforce for their efforts.
“I appreciate the leadership at Pantex, both the DOE and CNS. And the fact that we are able to celebrate these milestones today…is a credit first and foremost to the workforce at Pantex, and to the leadership at Pantex.”
During the visit, Thornberry received the Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award. It recognizes consistent outstanding leadership and sustained achievements. The Distinguished Service Gold Award is the highest honorary award granted by NNSA.
“That’s my job is to help do their job. Because what they do here at Pantex is foundational to the national security of the United States,” Thornberry said. “It’s so important.”
Gordon-Hagerty acknowledged the efforts being made at Pantex, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“For two decades now, every one of the 50,000 men and women of our workforce – to include the more than 3,000 employees here at Pantex – is making a vital contribution to our national security mission,” she said. “Although it goes without saying that these are not ‘normal’ times, the current environment and your response demonstrate why we as the NNSA and our nation are so very strong.”
While on site, the dignitaries also toured a new athletic track constructed by the Office of Secure Transportation and acknowledged Pantex emergency personnel who are credited with saving lives of victims at accident sites outside of Pantex.
Chuckwagon meal tickets now available
Tickets are on sale for the 26th annual Col. Charles Goodnight Chuckwagon Cookoff that will be held Saturday, September 26, on the grounds of the Saints’ Roost Museum.
As one of the few cookoffs being held this year, the local event is attracting new participants from around the country. Sixteen authentic chuckwagons will compete for top prizes, and the day will also feature museum tours, a Western trade show, and live entertainment.
Although the Museum itself will be closed the day of the event, the grounds will be open that morning, and the meal will be served at 1 p.m.
Each wagon prepares an authentic meal over campfire with prizes being awarded in different food categories. Funds from the event, along with donations, allow the Museum to operate and provide quality displays, make improvements, and maintain its aging facilities.
The cost is $20 per plate, and tickets are available at Every Nook & Cranny or by calling the museum at 874-2746.
One generous donor through the years has been Sawyer Hay Farms, which donates alfalfa hay. Dan Sawyer is again making that donation, and the 200 square bales of hay will be auctioned off September 26. Those interested in being set up to enter a bid can contact any board member or call the Museum directly at 874-2746. The Museum appreciates Sawyer Hay’s support.
Court hears pleas from Hurlbrink
The district court heard two pleas from a Clarendon man when it met here on Monday, August 31.
District Attorney Luke Inman, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding.
David Alexander Hurlbrink, 52, pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for six years for the enhanced first degree felony offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Hurlbrink, from Clarendon, was arrested by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Stubblefield on May 6. Hurlbrink pleaded guilty to an information filed by the State on July 14.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Hurlbrink is also required to pay a $6,000 fine to Donley County, $390 in court costs, a $400 attorney fee, and successfully complete 400 hours of community service. If Hurlbrink violates probation, he could face up to 99 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.
Hurlbrink also pleaded guilty and was placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for six years for the enhanced second degree felony offense of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Hurlbrink was arrested by Donley County Sheriff’s Deputy Vincent Marasco on November 13, 2019. Hurlbrink was indicted by a Donley County Grand Jury on March 9.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Hurlbrink is also required to pay $390 in court costs. If Hurlbrink violates probation, he could face up to 20 years in the Institutional Division of the TDCJ.
Hurlbrink was previously in the news in 2018 as the president and founder of Shekinta Ministries, which drew public attention in Clarendon for operating an alternative housing solution for parolees.
Howard addresses COVID-19 at state meetings
Donley County Judge John Howard’s experience with the COVID-19 pandemic has led to him being a sought after speaker on the subject at the state level.
Howard was one of the featured speakers at this year’s Texas Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Austin on August 26-28.
Due to COVID-19, the event was held virtually and attended by between 600 and 700 county officials from around the state.
Judge Howard’s presentation was on Wednesday afternoon, August 26, and focused on COVID-19 and the Texas Healthcare System.
The session was moderated by Rick Thompson, Legislative Consultant – County Judges and Commissioners Association, Texas Association of Counties, and Judge Howard was joined as a speaker by Eduardo Olivarez, Chief Administrative Officer, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services.
The session focused on how well the state’s healthcare system held up during the COVID-19 pandemic, and where that left counties. Important healthcare issues created by the pandemic were also a focus, including access to care, supplies and timely information.
Judge Howard will also be featured as a speaker at the Texas County Judges & Commissioners Association’s 98th annual conference in Abilene October 5-8.
Howard will be on a panel at the conference discussing “Local Control” with Chambers County Judge Jimmy Silvia and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.
Sandell to screen Kane Brown concert Sept. 26
Country music fans will have another opportunity to enjoy a unique concert at Clarendon’s Sandell Drive-In this month.
Encore Live announced this week that Kane Brown will be the latest music star to join the lineup of 2020’s most exciting, must-see concert series. Dubbed “the future of country,” Brown will air his brand-new, never-before-seen show for one night only on September 26 at drive-in and outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada as part of the massively popular Encore Drive-In Nights series.
“We are so humbled by fans’ response to Encore Drive-In Nights following the recent success of our Metallica and Blake Shelton events,” said Walter Kinzie, CEO of Encore Live. “We are excited that Kane Brown, who is such a great artist, has joined our initiative. Our team has been working incredibly hard to provide people with fun and safe enjoyment this year and so far we’ve entertained more than 730,000 fans all over North America. Kane’s upcoming show is further proof that people are really into the drive-in concert experience.”
Since his debut, Brown has quickly established himself as one of the world’s top country music artists and has helped shift the perception of the genre. He ascended to one of the industry’s biggest country stars, becoming the first artist to top all five Billboard Country Charts simultaneously and topping the all-genre Billboard 200 chart with his album Experiment.
The Encore Drive-In Nights concert series kicked off on July 25 with a performance by Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins, and was followed by Metallica on August 29. Information on upcoming acts and tickets can be found at https://www.ticketmaster.com/encoredriveinnights.
Unlike traditional concert tickets that are bought for one fan’s individual admission, each purchase for Encore Drive-In Nights’ concerts will admit one carload of fans. That means up to six people can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime show for one price. Additional information about Encore Drive-In Nights can be found at https://www.ticketmaster.com/encoredriveinnights.
Encore Drive-In Nights showcases the world’s most iconic music stars with performances recorded exclusively for drive-in theaters across North America. From the safety of your vehicle you will enjoy an exclusive cinematic concert experience under the summer night sky. Drive-in. Rock out.
Global entertainer Kane Brown has been called “the future of country” (Billboard), “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” in 2018 (Associated Press) and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time). With the chart-topping Billboard 200 release of his Platinum album Experiment in Nov. 2018, Brown became the only male country artist in more than 24 years to have his sophomore album debut at the top of this chart. Brown made history with his 2X Platinum self-titled debut album, a 13-week No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He became the first artist to top all five Billboard Country Charts simultaneously with his breakthrough No. 1 Top Country Album; No. 1 debuting Country Digital Song, the 5X Platinum “Heaven,” and No. 1 Country Airplay, Hot Country Song and Country Streaming Song, the 5X Platinum “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina. Of all the country artists who made their long-form debut since 2016, Brown is the only one to receive two or more Platinum album certifications. The ACM, AMA, People’s Choice, Billboard, AMA, iHeartRadio, CMT and Billboard Music Awards nominated artist is one of only five country acts with multiple 5X Platinum hits (joining Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt and Taylor Swift). His two 5X Platinum songs are “Heaven” and “What Ifs” which, respectively, are the No. 3 and No. 5 most-streamed country tracks of all time – making him the only artist to have two tracks in the Top 5 of country’s most-streamed songs.
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